Method and apparatus for deploying equipment of a communication system

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining, by an unmanned aircraft including a processor, a control signal that causes the unmanned aircraft to fly in proximity to a transmission medium, where the unmanned aircraft includes a carrying system that releasably carries a communication device, and where a positioning of the communication device in proximity to the transmission medium enables the communication device to be physically connected on the transmission medium and enables the communication device to provide communications. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for deployingequipment of a communication system.

BACKGROUND

As smart phones and other portable devices increasingly becomeubiquitous, and data usage increases, macrocell base station devices andexisting wireless infrastructure in turn require higher bandwidthcapability in order to address the increased demand. To provideadditional mobile bandwidth, small cell deployment is being pursued,with microcells and picocells providing coverage for much smaller areasthan traditional macrocells.

In addition, most homes and businesses have grown to rely on broadbanddata access for services such as voice, video and Internet browsing,etc. Broadband access networks include satellite, 4G or 5G wireless,power line communication, fiber, cable, and telephone networks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a guided-wave communications system in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a transmission device in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 3 is a graphical diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of an electromagnetic field distribution in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a graphical diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of an electromagnetic field distribution in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 5A is a graphical diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a frequency response in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 5B is a graphical diagram illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of a longitudinal cross-section of an insulated wiredepicting fields of guided electromagnetic waves at various operatingfrequencies in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 6 is a graphical diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of an electromagnetic field distribution in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of an arc coupler in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of an arc coupler in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a stub coupler in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment ofan electromagnetic distribution in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are block diagrams illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of couplers and transceivers in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a dual stub coupler in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a repeater system in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram illustrating an example,non-limiting embodiment of a bidirectional repeater in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a waveguide system in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a guided-wave communications system in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIGS. 16A & 16B are block diagrams illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system for managing a power grid communication system inaccordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 17A illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limitingembodiment of a method for detecting and mitigating disturbancesoccurring in a communication network of the system of FIGS. 16A and 16B.

FIG. 17B illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limitingembodiment of a method for detecting and mitigating disturbancesoccurring in a communication network of the system of FIGS. 16A and 16B.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, 18F, 18G, 18H, 18I and 18J are blockdiagrams illustrating example, non-limiting embodiments of a waveguidedevice for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIGS. 19A & 19B are block diagrams illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system that enables deployment of communication systemequipment utilizing an unmanned aircraft system.

FIGS. 20A & 20B are block diagrams illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of a waveguide device deployable via an unmanned aircraftsystem where the waveguide device can transmit and/or receiveelectromagnetic waves in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIGS. 21A, 21B & 21C are block diagrams illustrating an example,non-limiting embodiment of a system that enables deployment of awaveguide device utilizing an unmanned aircraft system.

FIG. 22 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limitingembodiment of a method of deploying communication system equipment inaccordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 23E, 23F, 23G, and 23H are block diagramsillustrating example, non-limiting embodiments of communication devicesthat obtains power via an inductive coupling in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIGS. 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 are block diagrams illustrating example,non-limiting embodiments of other communication devices that obtainspower via an inductive coupling in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIGS. 29A and 29B are block diagrams illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of a dielectric antenna and corresponding gain and fieldintensity plots in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGS. 30A, 30B, and 30C are block diagrams illustrating example,non-limiting embodiment of a transmission medium for propagating guidedelectromagnetic waves.

FIGS. 31A and 31B are block diagrams illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of a waveguide device for transmitting or receivingelectromagnetic waves in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIGS. 32A and 32B are block diagrams illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of a waveguide device for transmitting or receivingelectromagnetic waves in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 33 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limitingembodiment of a method of obtaining power at a communication device viaan inductive power coupling in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system that collects data associated with wirelesscommunications in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGS. 35, 36, 37, and 38 are block diagrams illustrating example,non-limiting embodiments of placement information associated with acommunication device and wireless communications in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 39 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of another system that collects data associated with wirelesscommunications in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 40 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of placement information associated with a communicationdevice and wireless communications in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIGS. 41 and 42 are block diagrams illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of other systems that collect data associated with wirelesscommunications in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 43 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limitingembodiment of a method of collecting data associated with wirelesscommunications in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 44 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system for controlling an unmanned aircraft inaccordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 45 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limitingembodiment of a method of controlling an unmanned aircraft in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 46 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system that collects data associated with a particulartarget area in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 47 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system for managing data associated with unmannedaircraft in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 48 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system for maintaining an unmanned aircraft inaccordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 49 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 50 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 51 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident,however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without thesedetails (and without applying to any particular networked environment orstandard).

In an embodiment, a guided wave communication system is presented forsending and receiving communication signals such as data or othersignaling via guided electromagnetic waves. The guided electromagneticwaves include, for example, surface waves or other electromagnetic wavesthat are bound to or guided by a transmission medium. It will beappreciated that a variety of transmission media can be utilized withguided wave communications without departing from example embodiments.Examples of such transmission media can include one or more of thefollowing, either alone or in one or more combinations: wires, whetherinsulated or not, and whether single-stranded or multi-stranded;conductors of other shapes or configurations including wire bundles,cables, rods, rails, pipes; non-conductors such as dielectric pipes,rods, rails, or other dielectric members; combinations of conductors anddielectric materials; or other guided wave transmission media.

The inducement of guided electromagnetic waves on a transmission mediumcan be independent of any electrical potential, charge or current thatis injected or otherwise transmitted through the transmission medium aspart of an electrical circuit. For example, in the case where thetransmission medium is a wire, it is to be appreciated that while asmall current in the wire may be formed in response to the propagationof the guided waves along the wire, this can be due to the propagationof the electromagnetic wave along the wire surface, and is not formed inresponse to electrical potential, charge or current that is injectedinto the wire as part of an electrical circuit. The electromagneticwaves traveling on the wire therefore do not require a circuit topropagate along the wire surface. The wire therefore is a single wiretransmission line that is not part of a circuit. Also, in someembodiments, a wire is not necessary, and the electromagnetic waves canpropagate along a single line transmission medium that is not a wire.

More generally, “guided electromagnetic waves” or “guided waves” asdescribed by the subject disclosure are affected by the presence of aphysical object that is at least a part of the transmission medium(e.g., a bare wire or other conductor, a dielectric, an insulated wire,a conduit or other hollow element, a bundle of insulated wires that iscoated, covered or surrounded by a dielectric or insulator or other wirebundle, or another form of solid or otherwise non-liquid or non-gaseoustransmission medium) so as to be at least partially bound to or guidedby the physical object and so as to propagate along a transmission pathof the physical object. Such a physical object can operate as at least apart of a transmission medium that guides, by way of an interface of thetransmission medium (e.g., an outer surface, inner surface, an interiorportion between the outer and the inner surfaces or other boundarybetween elements of the transmission medium), the propagation of guidedelectromagnetic waves, which in turn can carry energy, data and/or othersignals along the transmission path from a sending device to a receivingdevice.

Unlike free space propagation of wireless signals such as unguided (orunbounded) electromagnetic waves that decrease in intensity inversely bythe square of the distance traveled by the unguided electromagneticwaves, guided electromagnetic waves can propagate along a transmissionmedium with less loss in magnitude per unit distance than experienced byunguided electromagnetic waves.

An electrical circuit allows electrical signals to propagate from asending device to a receiving device via a forward electrical path and areturn electrical path, respectively. These electrical forward andreturn paths can be implemented via two conductors, such as two wires ora single wire and a common ground that serves as the second conductor.In particular, electrical current from the sending device (direct and/oralternating) flows through the electrical forward path and returns tothe transmission source via the electrical return path as an opposingcurrent. More particularly, electron flow in one conductor that flowsaway from the sending device, returns to the receiving device in theopposite direction via a second conductor or ground. Unlike electricalsignals, guided electromagnetic waves can propagate along a transmissionmedium (e.g., a bare conductor, an insulated conductor, a conduit, anon-conducting material such as a dielectric strip, or any other type ofobject suitable for the propagation of surface waves) from a sendingdevice to a receiving device or vice-versa without requiring thetransmission medium to be part of an electrical circuit (i.e., withoutrequiring an electrical return path) between the sending device and thereceiving device. Although electromagnetic waves can propagate in anopen circuit, i.e., a circuit without an electrical return path or witha break or gap that prevents the flow of electrical current through thecircuit, it is noted that electromagnetic waves can also propagate alonga surface of a transmission medium that is in fact part of an electricalcircuit. That is electromagnetic waves can travel along a first surfaceof a transmission medium having a forward electrical path and/or along asecond surface of a transmission medium having an electrical returnpath. As a consequence, guided electromagnetic waves can propagate alonga surface of a transmission medium from a sending device to a receivingdevice or vice-versa with or without an electrical circuit.

This permits, for example, transmission of guided electromagnetic wavesalong a transmission medium having no conductive components (e.g., adielectric strip). This also permits, for example, transmission ofguided electromagnetic waves that propagate along a transmission mediumhaving no more than a single conductor (e.g., an electromagnetic wavethat propagates along the surface of a single bare conductor or alongthe surface of a single insulated conductor or an electromagnetic wavethat propagates all or partly within the insulation of an insulatedconductor). Even if a transmission medium includes one or moreconductive components and the guided electromagnetic waves propagatingalong the transmission medium generate currents that, at times, flow inthe one or more conductive components in a direction of the guidedelectromagnetic waves, such guided electromagnetic waves can propagatealong the transmission medium from a sending device to a receivingdevice without a flow of an opposing current on an electrical returnpath back to the sending device from the receiving device. As aconsequence, the propagation of such guided electromagnetic waves can bereferred to as propagating via a single transmission line or propagatingvia a surface wave transmission line.

In a non-limiting illustration, consider a coaxial cable having a centerconductor and a ground shield that are separated by an insulator.Typically, in an electrical system a first terminal of a sending (andreceiving) device can be connected to the center conductor, and a secondterminal of the sending (and receiving) device can be connected to theground shield. If the sending device injects an electrical signal in thecenter conductor via the first terminal, the electrical signal willpropagate along the center conductor causing, at times, forward currentsand a corresponding flow of electrons in the center conductor, andreturn currents and an opposing flow of electrons in the ground shield.The same conditions apply for a two terminal receiving device.

In contrast, consider a guided wave communication system such asdescribed in the subject disclosure, which can utilize differentembodiments of a transmission medium (including among others a coaxialcable) for transmitting and receiving guided electromagnetic waveswithout an electrical circuit (i.e., without an electrical forward pathor electrical return path depending on your perspective). In oneembodiment, for example, the guided wave communication system of thesubject disclosure can be configured to induce guided electromagneticwaves that propagate along an outer surface of a coaxial cable (e.g.,the outer jacket or insulation layer of the coaxial cable). Although theguided electromagnetic waves will cause forward currents on the groundshield, the guided electromagnetic waves do not require return currentsin the center conductor to enable the guided electromagnetic waves topropagate along the outer surface of the coaxial cable. Said anotherway, while the guided electromagnetic waves will cause forward currentson the ground shield, the guided electromagnetic waves will not generateopposing return currents in the center conductor (or other electricalreturn path). The same can be said of other transmission media used by aguided wave communication system for the transmission and reception ofguided electromagnetic waves.

For example, guided electromagnetic waves induced by the guided wavecommunication system on an outer surface of a bare conductor, or aninsulated conductor can propagate along the outer surface of the bareconductor or the other surface of the insulated conductor withoutgenerating opposing return currents in an electrical return path. Asanother point of differentiation, where the majority of the signalenergy in an electrical circuit is induced by the flow of electrons inthe conductors themselves, guided electromagnetic waves propagating in aguided wave communication system on an outer surface of a bareconductor, cause only minimal forward currents in the bare conductor,with the majority of the signal energy of the electromagnetic waveconcentrated above the outer surface of the bare conductor and notinside the bare conductor. Furthermore, guided electromagnetic wavesthat are bound to the outer surface of an insulated conductor cause onlyminimal forward currents in the center conductor or conductors of theinsulated conductor, with the majority of the signal energy of theelectromagnetic wave concentrated in regions inside the insulationand/or above the outside surface of the insulated conductor—in otherwords, the majority of the signal energy of the electromagnetic wave isconcentrated outside the center conductor(s) of the insulated conductor.

Consequently, electrical systems that require two or more conductors forcarrying forward and reverse currents on separate conductors to enablethe propagation of electrical signals injected by a sending device aredistinct from guided wave systems that induce guided electromagneticwaves on an interface of a transmission medium without the need of anelectrical circuit to enable the propagation of the guidedelectromagnetic waves along the interface of the transmission medium.

It is further noted that guided electromagnetic waves as described inthe subject disclosure can have an electromagnetic field structure thatlies primarily or substantially outside of a transmission medium so asto be bound to or guided by the transmission medium and so as topropagate non-trivial distances on or along an outer surface of thetransmission medium. In other embodiments, guided electromagnetic wavescan have an electromagnetic field structure that lies primarily orsubstantially inside a transmission medium so as to be bound to orguided by the transmission medium and so as to propagate non-trivialdistances within the transmission medium. In other embodiments, guidedelectromagnetic waves can have an electromagnetic field structure thatlies partially inside and partially outside a transmission medium so asto be bound to or guided by the transmission medium and so as topropagate non-trivial distances along the transmission medium. Thedesired electronic field structure in an embodiment may vary based upona variety of factors, including the desired transmission distance, thecharacteristics of the transmission medium itself, and environmentalconditions/characteristics outside of the transmission medium (e.g.,presence of rain, fog, atmospheric conditions, etc.).

Various embodiments described herein relate to coupling devices, thatcan be referred to as “waveguide coupling devices”, “waveguide couplers”or more simply as “couplers”, “coupling devices” or “launchers” forlaunching and/or extracting guided electromagnetic waves to and from atransmission medium at millimeter-wave frequencies (e.g., 30 to 300GHz), wherein the wavelength can be small compared to one or moredimensions of the coupling device and/or the transmission medium such asthe circumference of a wire or other cross sectional dimension, or lowermicrowave frequencies such as 300 MHz to 30 GHz. Transmissions can begenerated to propagate as waves guided by a coupling device, such as: astrip, arc or other length of dielectric material; a horn, monopole,rod, slot or other antenna; an array of antennas; a magnetic resonantcavity, or other resonant coupler; a coil, a strip line, a waveguide orother coupling device. In operation, the coupling device receives anelectromagnetic wave from a transmitter or transmission medium. Theelectromagnetic field structure of the electromagnetic wave can becarried inside the coupling device, outside the coupling device or somecombination thereof. When the coupling device is in close proximity to atransmission medium, at least a portion of an electromagnetic wavecouples to or is bound to the transmission medium, and continues topropagate as guided electromagnetic waves. In a reciprocal fashion, acoupling device can extract guided waves from a transmission medium andtransfer these electromagnetic waves to a receiver.

According to an example embodiment, a surface wave is a type of guidedwave that is guided by a surface of a transmission medium, such as anexterior or outer surface of the wire, or another surface of the wirethat is adjacent to or exposed to another type of medium havingdifferent properties (e.g., dielectric properties). Indeed, in anexample embodiment, a surface of the wire that guides a surface wave canrepresent a transitional surface between two different types of media.For example, in the case of a bare or uninsulated wire, the surface ofthe wire can be the outer or exterior conductive surface of the bare oruninsulated wire that is exposed to air or free space. As anotherexample, in the case of insulated wire, the surface of the wire can bethe conductive portion of the wire that meets the insulator portion ofthe wire, or can otherwise be the insulator surface of the wire that isexposed to air or free space, or can otherwise be any material regionbetween the insulator surface of the wire and the conductive portion ofthe wire that meets the insulator portion of the wire, depending uponthe relative differences in the properties (e.g., dielectric properties)of the insulator, air, and/or the conductor and further dependent on thefrequency and propagation mode or modes of the guided wave.

According to an example embodiment, the term “about” a wire or othertransmission medium used in conjunction with a guided wave can includefundamental guided wave propagation modes such as a guided waves havinga circular or substantially circular field distribution, a symmetricalelectromagnetic field distribution (e.g., electric field, magneticfield, electromagnetic field, etc.) or other fundamental mode pattern atleast partially around a wire or other transmission medium. In addition,when a guided wave propagates “about” a wire or other transmissionmedium, it can do so according to a guided wave propagation mode thatincludes not only the fundamental wave propagation modes (e.g., zeroorder modes), but additionally or alternatively non-fundamental wavepropagation modes such as higher-order guided wave modes (e.g., 1^(st)order modes, 2^(nd) order modes, etc.), asymmetrical modes and/or otherguided (e.g., surface) waves that have non-circular field distributionsaround a wire or other transmission medium. As used herein, the term“guided wave mode” refers to a guided wave propagation mode of atransmission medium, coupling device or other system component of aguided wave communication system.

For example, such non-circular field distributions can be unilateral ormulti-lateral with one or more axial lobes characterized by relativelyhigher field strength and/or one or more nulls or null regionscharacterized by relatively low-field strength, zero-field strength orsubstantially zero-field strength. Further, the field distribution canotherwise vary as a function of azimuthal orientation around the wiresuch that one or more angular regions around the wire have an electricor magnetic field strength (or combination thereof) that is higher thanone or more other angular regions of azimuthal orientation, according toan example embodiment. It will be appreciated that the relativeorientations or positions of the guided wave higher order modes orasymmetrical modes can vary as the guided wave travels along the wire.

As used herein, the term “millimeter-wave” can refer to electromagneticwaves/signals that fall within the “millimeter-wave frequency band” of30 GHz to 300 GHz. The term “microwave” can refer to electromagneticwaves/signals that fall within a “microwave frequency band” of 300 MHzto 300 GHz. The term “radio frequency” or “RF” can refer toelectromagnetic waves/signals that fall within the “radio frequencyband” of 10 kHz to 1 THz. It is appreciated that wireless signals,electrical signals, and guided electromagnetic waves as described in thesubject disclosure can be configured to operate at any desirablefrequency range, such as, for example, at frequencies within, above orbelow millimeter-wave and/or microwave frequency bands. In particular,when a coupling device or transmission medium includes a conductiveelement, the frequency of the guided electromagnetic waves that arecarried by the coupling device and/or propagate along the transmissionmedium can be below the mean collision frequency of the electrons in theconductive element. Further, the frequency of the guided electromagneticwaves that are carried by the coupling device and/or propagate along thetransmission medium can be a non-optical frequency, e.g. a radiofrequency below the range of optical frequencies that begins at 1 THz.

As used herein, the term “antenna” can refer to a device that is part ofa transmitting or receiving system to transmit/radiate or receivewireless signals.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, an unmanned aircraft systemincludes an unmanned aircraft having a carrying system that releasablycarries a waveguide system and that further includes a wirelessreceiver. The unmanned aircraft system includes a processing systemincluding a processor and being physically connected with the unmannedaircraft, and a memory that stores executable instructions that, whenexecuted by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations.The operations can include receiving, from a remote control device viathe wireless receiver, a control signal. The operations can includecausing the unmanned aircraft to fly in proximity to a transmissionmedium, where a positioning of the waveguide system in proximity to thetransmission medium enables the waveguide system to be physicallyconnected on the transmission medium. The operations can includeactuating the carrying system to cause the carrying system to releasethe waveguide system. The waveguide system, when physically connected onthe transmission medium, can provide communication by electromagneticwaves at a physical interface of the transmission medium that propagatewithout utilizing an electrical return path, where the electromagneticwaves are guided by the transmission medium.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method can includeobtaining, by an unmanned aircraft including a processor, a controlsignal that causes the unmanned aircraft to fly in proximity to atransmission medium, where the unmanned aircraft includes a carryingsystem that releasably carries a communication device, and where apositioning of the communication device in proximity to the transmissionmedium enables the communication device to be physically connected onthe transmission medium and enables the communication device to providecommunications. The method can include actuating the carrying system tocause the carrying system to release the communication device.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a waveguide system includesradiating elements and a latching mechanism. A positioning of thewaveguide system in proximity to a transmission medium enables thelatching mechanism to be actuated resulting in the waveguide systembeing physically connected on the transmission medium. The waveguidesystem has a size and shape that enables an unmanned aircraft to carrythe waveguide system in proximity to the transmission medium. Thewaveguide system, when physically connected on the transmission medium,provides communication via the radiating elements by electromagneticwaves at a physical interface of the transmission medium that propagatewithout utilizing an electrical return path. The electromagnetic wavescan be guided by the transmission medium.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram 100 illustrating an example,non-limiting embodiment of a guided wave communications system is shown.In operation, a transmission device 101 receives one or morecommunication signals 110 from a communication network or othercommunications device that includes data and generates guided waves 120to convey the data via the transmission medium 125 to the transmissiondevice 102. The transmission device 102 receives the guided waves 120and converts them to communication signals 112 that include the data fortransmission to a communications network or other communications device.The guided waves 120 can be modulated to convey data via a modulationtechnique such as phase shift keying, frequency shift keying, quadratureamplitude modulation, amplitude modulation, multi-carrier modulationsuch as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing and via multipleaccess techniques such as frequency division multiplexing, time divisionmultiplexing, code division multiplexing, multiplexing via differingwave propagation modes and via other modulation and access strategies.

The communication network or networks can include a wirelesscommunication network such as a mobile data network, a cellular voiceand data network, a wireless local area network (e.g., WiFi or an 802.xxnetwork), a satellite communications network, a personal area network orother wireless network. The communication network or networks can alsoinclude a wired communication network such as a telephone network, anEthernet network, a local area network, a wide area network such as theInternet, a broadband access network, a cable network, a fiber opticnetwork, or other wired network. The communication devices can include anetwork edge device, bridge device or home gateway, a set-top box,broadband modem, telephone adapter, access point, base station, or otherfixed communication device, a mobile communication device such as anautomotive gateway or automobile, laptop computer, tablet, smartphone,cellular telephone, or other communication device.

In an example embodiment, the guided wave communication system 100 canoperate in a bi-directional fashion where transmission device 102receives one or more communication signals 112 from a communicationnetwork or device that includes other data and generates guided waves122 to convey the other data via the transmission medium 125 to thetransmission device 101. In this mode of operation, the transmissiondevice 101 receives the guided waves 122 and converts them tocommunication signals 110 that include the other data for transmissionto a communications network or device. The guided waves 122 can bemodulated to convey data via a modulation technique such as phase shiftkeying, frequency shift keying, quadrature amplitude modulation,amplitude modulation, multi-carrier modulation such as orthogonalfrequency division multiplexing and via multiple access techniques suchas frequency division multiplexing, time division multiplexing, codedivision multiplexing, multiplexing via differing wave propagation modesand via other modulation and access strategies.

The transmission medium 125 can include a cable having at least oneinner portion surrounded by a dielectric material such as an insulatoror other dielectric cover, coating or other dielectric material, thedielectric material having an outer surface and a correspondingcircumference. In an example embodiment, the transmission medium 125operates as a single-wire transmission line to guide the transmission ofan electromagnetic wave. When the transmission medium 125 is implementedas a single wire transmission system, it can include a wire. The wirecan be insulated or uninsulated, and single-stranded or multi-stranded(e.g., braided). In other embodiments, the transmission medium 125 cancontain conductors of other shapes or configurations including wirebundles, cables, rods, rails, pipes. In addition, the transmissionmedium 125 can include non-conductors such as dielectric pipes, rods,rails, or other dielectric members; combinations of conductors anddielectric materials, conductors without dielectric materials or otherguided wave transmission media. It should be noted that the transmissionmedium 125 can otherwise include any of the transmission mediapreviously discussed.

Further, as previously discussed, the guided waves 120 and 122 can becontrasted with radio transmissions over free space/air or conventionalpropagation of electrical power or signals through the conductor of awire via an electrical circuit. In addition to the propagation of guidedwaves 120 and 122, the transmission medium 125 may optionally containone or more wires that propagate electrical power or other communicationsignals in a conventional manner as a part of one or more electricalcircuits.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram 200 illustrating an example,non-limiting embodiment of a transmission device is shown. Thetransmission device 101 or 102 includes a communications interface (I/F)205, a transceiver 210 and a coupler 220.

In an example of operation, the communications interface 205 receives acommunication signal 110 or 112 that includes data. In variousembodiments, the communications interface 205 can include a wirelessinterface for receiving a wireless communication signal in accordancewith a wireless standard protocol such as LTE or other cellular voiceand data protocol, WiFi or an 802.11 protocol, WIMAX protocol, UltraWideband protocol, Bluetooth protocol, Zigbee protocol, a directbroadcast satellite (DBS) or other satellite communication protocol orother wireless protocol. In addition or in the alternative, thecommunications interface 205 includes a wired interface that operates inaccordance with an Ethernet protocol, universal serial bus (USB)protocol, a data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS)protocol, a digital subscriber line (DSL) protocol, a Firewire (IEEE1394) protocol, or other wired protocol. In additional tostandards-based protocols, the communications interface 205 can operatein conjunction with other wired or wireless protocol. In addition, thecommunications interface 205 can optionally operate in conjunction witha protocol stack that includes multiple protocol layers including a MACprotocol, transport protocol, application protocol, etc.

In an example of operation, the transceiver 210 generates anelectromagnetic wave based on the communication signal 110 or 112 toconvey the data. The electromagnetic wave has at least one carrierfrequency and at least one corresponding wavelength. The carrierfrequency can be within a millimeter-wave frequency band of 30 GHz-300GHz, such as 60 GHz or a carrier frequency in the range of 30-40 GHz ora lower frequency band of 300 MHz-30 GHz in the microwave frequencyrange such as 26-30 GHz, 11 GHz, 6 GHz or 3 GHz, but it will beappreciated that other carrier frequencies are possible in otherembodiments. In one mode of operation, the transceiver 210 merelyupconverts the communications signal or signals 110 or 112 fortransmission of the electromagnetic signal in the microwave ormillimeter-wave band as a guided electromagnetic wave that is guided byor bound to the transmission medium 125. In another mode of operation,the communications interface 205 either converts the communicationsignal 110 or 112 to a baseband or near baseband signal or extracts thedata from the communication signal 110 or 112 and the transceiver 210modulates a high-frequency carrier with the data, the baseband or nearbaseband signal for transmission. It should be appreciated that thetransceiver 210 can modulate the data received via the communicationsignal 110 or 112 to preserve one or more data communication protocolsof the communication signal 110 or 112 either by encapsulation in thepayload of a different protocol or by simple frequency shifting. In thealternative, the transceiver 210 can otherwise translate the datareceived via the communication signal 110 or 112 to a protocol that isdifferent from the data communication protocol or protocols of thecommunication signal 110 or 112.

In an example of operation, the coupler 220 couples the electromagneticwave to the transmission medium 125 as a guided electromagnetic wave toconvey the communications signal or signals 110 or 112. While the priordescription has focused on the operation of the transceiver 210 as atransmitter, the transceiver 210 can also operate to receiveelectromagnetic waves that convey other data from the single wiretransmission medium via the coupler 220 and to generate communicationssignals 110 or 112, via communications interface 205 that includes theother data. Consider embodiments where an additional guidedelectromagnetic wave conveys other data that also propagates along thetransmission medium 125. The coupler 220 can also couple this additionalelectromagnetic wave from the transmission medium 125 to the transceiver210 for reception.

The transmission device 101 or 102 includes an optional trainingcontroller 230. In an example embodiment, the training controller 230 isimplemented by a standalone processor or a processor that is shared withone or more other components of the transmission device 101 or 102. Thetraining controller 230 selects the carrier frequencies, modulationschemes and/or guided wave modes for the guided electromagnetic wavesbased on feedback data received by the transceiver 210 from at least oneremote transmission device coupled to receive the guided electromagneticwave.

In an example embodiment, a guided electromagnetic wave transmitted by aremote transmission device 101 or 102 conveys data that also propagatesalong the transmission medium 125. The data from the remote transmissiondevice 101 or 102 can be generated to include the feedback data. Inoperation, the coupler 220 also couples the guided electromagnetic wavefrom the transmission medium 125 and the transceiver receives theelectromagnetic wave and processes the electromagnetic wave to extractthe feedback data.

In an example embodiment, the training controller 230 operates based onthe feedback data to evaluate a plurality of candidate frequencies,modulation schemes and/or transmission modes to select a carrierfrequency, modulation scheme and/or transmission mode to enhanceperformance, such as throughput, signal strength, reduce propagationloss, etc.

Consider the following example: a transmission device 101 beginsoperation under control of the training controller 230 by sending aplurality of guided waves as test signals such as pilot waves or othertest signals at a corresponding plurality of candidate frequenciesand/or candidate modes directed to a remote transmission device 102coupled to the transmission medium 125. The guided waves can include, inaddition or in the alternative, test data. The test data can indicatethe particular candidate frequency and/or guide-wave mode of the signal.In an embodiment, the training controller 230 at the remote transmissiondevice 102 receives the test signals and/or test data from any of theguided waves that were properly received and determines the bestcandidate frequency and/or guided wave mode, a set of acceptablecandidate frequencies and/or guided wave modes, or a rank ordering ofcandidate frequencies and/or guided wave modes. This selection ofcandidate frequenc(ies) or/and guided-mode(s) are generated by thetraining controller 230 based on one or more optimizing criteria such asreceived signal strength, bit error rate, packet error rate, signal tonoise ratio, propagation loss, etc. The training controller 230generates feedback data that indicates the selection of candidatefrequenc(ies) or/and guided wave mode(s) and sends the feedback data tothe transceiver 210 for transmission to the transmission device 101. Thetransmission device 101 and 102 can then communicate data with oneanother based on the selection of candidate frequenc(ies) or/and guidedwave mode(s).

In other embodiments, the guided electromagnetic waves that contain thetest signals and/or test data are reflected back, repeated back orotherwise looped back by the remote transmission device 102 to thetransmission device 101 for reception and analysis by the trainingcontroller 230 of the transmission device 101 that initiated thesewaves. For example, the transmission device 101 can send a signal to theremote transmission device 102 to initiate a test mode where a physicalreflector is switched on the line, a termination impedance is changed tocause reflections, a loop back mode is switched on to coupleelectromagnetic waves back to the source transmission device 102, and/ora repeater mode is enabled to amplify and retransmit the electromagneticwaves back to the source transmission device 102. The trainingcontroller 230 at the source transmission device 102 receives the testsignals and/or test data from any of the guided waves that were properlyreceived and determines selection of candidate frequenc(ies) or/andguided wave mode(s).

While the procedure above has been described in a start-up orinitialization mode of operation, each transmission device 101 or 102can send test signals, evaluate candidate frequencies or guided wavemodes via non-test such as normal transmissions or otherwise evaluatecandidate frequencies or guided wave modes at other times orcontinuously as well. In an example embodiment, the communicationprotocol between the transmission devices 101 and 102 can include anon-request or periodic test mode where either full testing or morelimited testing of a subset of candidate frequencies and guided wavemodes are tested and evaluated. In other modes of operation, there-entry into such a test mode can be triggered by a degradation ofperformance due to a disturbance, weather conditions, etc. In an exampleembodiment, the receiver bandwidth of the transceiver 210 is eithersufficiently wide or swept to receive all candidate frequencies or canbe selectively adjusted by the training controller 230 to a trainingmode where the receiver bandwidth of the transceiver 210 is sufficientlywide or swept to receive all candidate frequencies.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a graphical diagram 300 illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic fielddistribution is shown. In this embodiment, a transmission medium 125 inair includes an inner conductor 301 and an insulating jacket 302 ofdielectric material, as shown in cross section. The diagram 300 includesdifferent gray-scales that represent differing electromagnetic fieldstrengths generated by the propagation of the guided wave having anasymmetrical and non-fundamental guided wave mode.

In particular, the electromagnetic field distribution corresponds to amodal “sweet spot” that enhances guided electromagnetic wave propagationalong an insulated transmission medium and reduces end-to-endtransmission loss. In this particular mode, electromagnetic waves areguided by the transmission medium 125 to propagate along an outersurface of the transmission medium—in this case, the outer surface ofthe insulating jacket 302. Electromagnetic waves are partially embeddedin the insulator and partially radiating on the outer surface of theinsulator. In this fashion, electromagnetic waves are “lightly” coupledto the insulator so as to enable electromagnetic wave propagation atlong distances with low propagation loss.

As shown, the guided wave has a field structure that lies primarily orsubstantially outside of the transmission medium 125 that serves toguide the electromagnetic waves. The regions inside the conductor 301have little or no field. Likewise regions inside the insulating jacket302 have low field strength. The majority of the electromagnetic fieldstrength is distributed in the lobes 304 at the outer surface of theinsulating jacket 302 and in close proximity thereof. The presence of anasymmetric guided wave mode is shown by the high electromagnetic fieldstrengths at the top and bottom of the outer surface of the insulatingjacket 302 (in the orientation of the diagram)—as opposed to very smallfield strengths on the other sides of the insulating jacket 302.

The example shown corresponds to a 38 GHz electromagnetic wave guided bya wire with a diameter of 1.1 cm and a dielectric insulation ofthickness of 0.36 cm. Because the electromagnetic wave is guided by thetransmission medium 125 and the majority of the field strength isconcentrated in the air outside of the insulating jacket 302 within alimited distance of the outer surface, the guided wave can propagatelongitudinally down the transmission medium 125 with very low loss. Inthe example shown, this “limited distance” corresponds to a distancefrom the outer surface that is less than half the largest crosssectional dimension of the transmission medium 125. In this case, thelargest cross sectional dimension of the wire corresponds to the overalldiameter of 1.82 cm, however, this value can vary with the size andshape of the transmission medium 125. For example, should thetransmission medium 125 be of a rectangular shape with a height of 0.3cm and a width of 0.4 cm, the largest cross sectional dimension would bethe diagonal of 0.5 cm and the corresponding limited distance would be0.25 cm. The dimensions of the area containing the majority of the fieldstrength also vary with the frequency, and in general, increase ascarrier frequencies decrease.

It should also be noted that the components of a guided wavecommunication system, such as couplers and transmission media can havetheir own cut-off frequencies for each guided wave mode. The cut-offfrequency generally sets forth the lowest frequency that a particularguided wave mode is designed to be supported by that particularcomponent. In an example embodiment, the particular asymmetric mode ofpropagation shown is induced on the transmission medium 125 by anelectromagnetic wave having a frequency that falls within a limitedrange (such as Fc to 2Fc) of the lower cut-off frequency Fc for thisparticular asymmetric mode. The lower cut-off frequency Fc is particularto the characteristics of transmission medium 125. For embodiments asshown that include an inner conductor 301 surrounded by an insulatingjacket 302, this cutoff frequency can vary based on the dimensions andproperties of the insulating jacket 302 and potentially the dimensionsand properties of the inner conductor 301 and can be determinedexperimentally to have a desired mode pattern. It should be notedhowever, that similar effects can be found for a hollow dielectric orinsulator without an inner conductor. In this case, the cutoff frequencycan vary based on the dimensions and properties of the hollow dielectricor insulator.

At frequencies lower than the lower cut-off frequency, the asymmetricmode is difficult to induce in the transmission medium 125 and fails topropagate for all but trivial distances. As the frequency increasesabove the limited range of frequencies about the cut-off frequency, theasymmetric mode shifts more and more inward of the insulating jacket302. At frequencies much larger than the cut-off frequency, the fieldstrength is no longer concentrated outside of the insulating jacket, butprimarily inside of the insulating jacket 302. While the transmissionmedium 125 provides strong guidance to the electromagnetic wave andpropagation is still possible, ranges are more limited by increasedlosses due to propagation within the insulating jacket 302—as opposed tothe surrounding air.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a graphical diagram 400 illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic fielddistribution is shown. In particular, a cross section diagram 400,similar to FIG. 3 is shown with common reference numerals used to referto similar elements. The example shown corresponds to a 60 GHz waveguided by a wire with a diameter of 1.1 cm and a dielectric insulationof thickness of 0.36 cm. Because the frequency of the guided wave isabove the limited range of the cut-off frequency of this particularasymmetric mode, much of the field strength has shifted inward of theinsulating jacket 302. In particular, the field strength is concentratedprimarily inside of the insulating jacket 302. While the transmissionmedium 125 provides strong guidance to the electromagnetic wave andpropagation is still possible, ranges are more limited when comparedwith the embodiment of FIG. 3, by increased losses due to propagationwithin the insulating jacket 302.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, a graphical diagram illustrating an example,non-limiting embodiment of a frequency response is shown. In particular,diagram 500 presents a graph of end-to-end loss (in dB) as a function offrequency, overlaid with electromagnetic field distributions 510, 520and 530 at three points for a 200 cm insulated medium voltage wire. Theboundary between the insulator and the surrounding air is represented byreference numeral 525 in each electromagnetic field distribution.

As discussed in conjunction with FIG. 3, an example of a desiredasymmetric mode of propagation shown is induced on the transmissionmedium 125 by an electromagnetic wave having a frequency that fallswithin a limited range (such as Fc to 2 Fc) of the lower cut-offfrequency Fc of the transmission medium for this particular asymmetricmode. In particular, the electromagnetic field distribution 520 at 6 GHzfalls within this modal “sweet spot” that enhances electromagnetic wavepropagation along an insulated transmission medium and reducesend-to-end transmission loss. In this particular mode, guided waves arepartially embedded in the insulator and partially radiating on the outersurface of the insulator. In this fashion, the electromagnetic waves are“lightly” coupled to the insulator so as to enable guidedelectromagnetic wave propagation at long distances with low propagationloss.

At lower frequencies represented by the electromagnetic fielddistribution 510 at 3 GHz, the asymmetric mode radiates more heavilygenerating higher propagation losses. At higher frequencies representedby the electromagnetic field distribution 530 at 9 GHz, the asymmetricmode shifts more and more inward of the insulating jacket providing toomuch absorption, again generating higher propagation losses.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, a graphical diagram 550 illustrating example,non-limiting embodiments of a longitudinal cross-section of atransmission medium 125, such as an insulated wire, depicting fields ofguided electromagnetic waves at various operating frequencies is shown.As shown in diagram 556, when the guided electromagnetic waves are atapproximately the cutoff frequency (f_(c)) corresponding to the modal“sweet spot”, the guided electromagnetic waves are loosely coupled tothe insulated wire so that absorption is reduced, and the fields of theguided electromagnetic waves are bound sufficiently to reduce the amountradiated into the environment (e.g., air). Because absorption andradiation of the fields of the guided electromagnetic waves is low,propagation losses are consequently low, enabling the guidedelectromagnetic waves to propagate for longer distances.

As shown in diagram 554, propagation losses increase when an operatingfrequency of the guide electromagnetic waves increases above abouttwo-times the cutoff frequency (f_(c))—or as referred to, above therange of the “sweet spot”. More of the field strength of theelectromagnetic wave is driven inside the insulating layer, increasingpropagation losses. At frequencies much higher than the cutoff frequency(f_(c)) the guided electromagnetic waves are strongly bound to theinsulated wire as a result of the fields emitted by the guidedelectromagnetic waves being concentrated in the insulation layer of thewire, as shown in diagram 552. This in turn raises propagation lossesfurther due to absorption of the guided electromagnetic waves by theinsulation layer. Similarly, propagation losses increase when theoperating frequency of the guided electromagnetic waves is substantiallybelow the cutoff frequency (f_(c)), as shown in diagram 558. Atfrequencies much lower than the cutoff frequency (f_(c)) the guidedelectromagnetic waves are weakly (or nominally) bound to the insulatedwire and thereby tend to radiate into the environment (e.g., air), whichin turn, raises propagation losses due to radiation of the guidedelectromagnetic waves.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a graphical diagram 600 illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic fielddistribution is shown. In this embodiment, a transmission medium 602 isa bare wire, as shown in cross section. The diagram 300 includesdifferent gray-scales that represent differing electromagnetic fieldstrengths generated by the propagation of a guided wave having asymmetrical and fundamental guided wave mode at a single carrierfrequency.

In this particular mode, electromagnetic waves are guided by thetransmission medium 602 to propagate along an outer surface of thetransmission medium—in this case, the outer surface of the bare wire.Electromagnetic waves are “lightly” coupled to the wire so as to enableelectromagnetic wave propagation at long distances with low propagationloss. As shown, the guided wave has a field structure that liessubstantially outside of the transmission medium 602 that serves toguide the electromagnetic waves. The regions inside the conductor havelittle or no field.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a block diagram 700 illustrating an example,non-limiting embodiment of an arc coupler is shown. In particular acoupling device is presented for use in a transmission device, such astransmission device 101 or 102 presented in conjunction with FIG. 1. Thecoupling device includes an arc coupler 704 coupled to a transmittercircuit 712 and termination or damper 714. The arc coupler 704 can bemade of a dielectric material, or other low-loss insulator (e.g.,Teflon, polyethylene, etc.), or made of a conducting (e.g., metallic,non-metallic, etc.) material, or any combination of the foregoingmaterials. As shown, the arc coupler 704 operates as a waveguide and hasa wave 706 propagating as a guided wave about a waveguide surface of thearc coupler 704. In the embodiment shown, at least a portion of the arccoupler 704 can be placed near a wire 702 or other transmission medium,(such as transmission medium 125), in order to facilitate couplingbetween the arc coupler 704 and the wire 702 or other transmissionmedium, as described herein to launch the guided wave 708 on the wire.The arc coupler 704 can be placed such that a portion of the curved arccoupler 704 is tangential to, and parallel or substantially parallel tothe wire 702. The portion of the arc coupler 704 that is parallel to thewire can be an apex of the curve, or any point where a tangent of thecurve is parallel to the wire 702. When the arc coupler 704 ispositioned or placed thusly, the wave 706 travelling along the arccoupler 704 couples, at least in part, to the wire 702, and propagatesas guided wave 708 around or about the wire surface of the wire 702 andlongitudinally along the wire 702. The guided wave 708 can becharacterized as a surface wave or other electromagnetic wave that isguided by or bound to the wire 702 or other transmission medium.

A portion of the wave 706 that does not couple to the wire 702propagates as a wave 710 along the arc coupler 704. It will beappreciated that the arc coupler 704 can be configured and arranged in avariety of positions in relation to the wire 702 to achieve a desiredlevel of coupling or non-coupling of the wave 706 to the wire 702. Forexample, the curvature and/or length of the arc coupler 704 that isparallel or substantially parallel, as well as its separation distance(which can include zero separation distance in an embodiment), to thewire 702 can be varied without departing from example embodiments.Likewise, the arrangement of arc coupler 704 in relation to the wire 702may be varied based upon considerations of the respective intrinsiccharacteristics (e.g., thickness, composition, electromagneticproperties, etc.) of the wire 702 and the arc coupler 704, as well asthe characteristics (e.g., frequency, energy level, etc.) of the waves706 and 708.

The guided wave 708 stays parallel or substantially parallel to the wire702, even as the wire 702 bends and flexes. Bends in the wire 702 canincrease transmission losses, which are also dependent on wirediameters, frequency, and materials. If the dimensions of the arccoupler 704 are chosen for efficient power transfer, most of the powerin the wave 706 is transferred to the wire 702, with little powerremaining in wave 710. It will be appreciated that the guided wave 708can still be multi-modal in nature (discussed herein), including havingmodes that are non-fundamental or asymmetric, while traveling along apath that is parallel or substantially parallel to the wire 702, with orwithout a fundamental transmission mode. In an embodiment,non-fundamental or asymmetric modes can be utilized to minimizetransmission losses and/or obtain increased propagation distances.

It is noted that the term parallel is generally a geometric constructwhich often is not exactly achievable in real systems. Accordingly, theterm parallel as utilized in the subject disclosure represents anapproximation rather than an exact configuration when used to describeembodiments disclosed in the subject disclosure. In an embodiment,substantially parallel can include approximations that are within 30degrees of true parallel in all dimensions.

In an embodiment, the wave 706 can exhibit one or more wave propagationmodes. The arc coupler modes can be dependent on the shape and/or designof the coupler 704. The one or more arc coupler modes of wave 706 cangenerate, influence, or impact one or more wave propagation modes of theguided wave 708 propagating along wire 702. It should be particularlynoted however that the guided wave modes present in the guided wave 706may be the same or different from the guided wave modes of the guidedwave 708. In this fashion, one or more guided wave modes of the guidedwave 706 may not be transferred to the guided wave 708, and further oneor more guided wave modes of guided wave 708 may not have been presentin guided wave 706. It should also be noted that the cut-off frequencyof the arc coupler 704 for a particular guided wave mode may bedifferent than the cutoff frequency of the wire 702 or othertransmission medium for that same mode. For example, while the wire 702or other transmission medium may be operated slightly above its cutofffrequency for a particular guided wave mode, the arc coupler 704 may beoperated well above its cut-off frequency for that same mode for lowloss, slightly below its cut-off frequency for that same mode to, forexample, induce greater coupling and power transfer, or some other pointin relation to the arc coupler's cutoff frequency for that mode.

In an embodiment, the wave propagation modes on the wire 702 can besimilar to the arc coupler modes since both waves 706 and 708 propagateabout the outside of the arc coupler 704 and wire 702 respectively. Insome embodiments, as the wave 706 couples to the wire 702, the modes canchange form, or new modes can be created or generated, due to thecoupling between the arc coupler 704 and the wire 702. For example,differences in size, material, and/or impedances of the arc coupler 704and wire 702 may create additional modes not present in the arc couplermodes and/or suppress some of the arc coupler modes. The wavepropagation modes can comprise the fundamental transverseelectromagnetic mode (Quasi-TEM₀₀), where only small electric and/ormagnetic fields extend in the direction of propagation, and the electricand magnetic fields extend radially outwards while the guided wavepropagates along the wire. This guided wave mode can be donut shaped,where few of the electromagnetic fields exist within the arc coupler 704or wire 702.

Waves 706 and 708 can comprise a fundamental TEM mode where the fieldsextend radially outwards, and also comprise other, non-fundamental(e.g., asymmetric, higher-level, etc.) modes. While particular wavepropagation modes are discussed above, other wave propagation modes arelikewise possible such as transverse electric (TE) and transversemagnetic (TM) modes, based on the frequencies employed, the design ofthe arc coupler 704, the dimensions and composition of the wire 702, aswell as its surface characteristics, its insulation if present, theelectromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, etc. Itshould be noted that, depending on the frequency, the electrical andphysical characteristics of the wire 702 and the particular wavepropagation modes that are generated, guided wave 708 can travel alongthe conductive surface of an oxidized uninsulated wire, an unoxidizeduninsulated wire, an insulated wire and/or along the insulating surfaceof an insulated wire.

In an embodiment, a diameter of the arc coupler 704 is smaller than thediameter of the wire 702. For the millimeter-band wavelength being used,the arc coupler 704 supports a single waveguide mode that makes up wave706. This single waveguide mode can change as it couples to the wire 702as guided wave 708. If the arc coupler 704 were larger, more than onewaveguide mode can be supported, but these additional waveguide modesmay not couple to the wire 702 as efficiently, and higher couplinglosses can result. However, in some alternative embodiments, thediameter of the arc coupler 704 can be equal to or larger than thediameter of the wire 702, for example, where higher coupling losses aredesirable or when used in conjunction with other techniques to otherwisereduce coupling losses (e.g., impedance matching with tapering, etc.).

In an embodiment, the wavelength of the waves 706 and 708 are comparablein size, or smaller than a circumference of the arc coupler 704 and thewire 702. In an example, if the wire 702 has a diameter of 0.5 cm, and acorresponding circumference of around 1.5 cm, the wavelength of thetransmission is around 1.5 cm or less, corresponding to a frequency of70 GHz or greater. In another embodiment, a suitable frequency of thetransmission and the carrier-wave signal is in the range of 30-100 GHz,perhaps around 30-60 GHz, and around 38 GHz in one example. In anembodiment, when the circumference of the arc coupler 704 and wire 702is comparable in size to, or greater, than a wavelength of thetransmission, the waves 706 and 708 can exhibit multiple wavepropagation modes including fundamental and/or non-fundamental(symmetric and/or asymmetric) modes that propagate over sufficientdistances to support various communication systems described herein. Thewaves 706 and 708 can therefore comprise more than one type of electricand magnetic field configuration. In an embodiment, as the guided wave708 propagates down the wire 702, the electrical and magnetic fieldconfigurations will remain the same from end to end of the wire 702. Inother embodiments, as the guided wave 708 encounters interference(distortion or obstructions) or loses energy due to transmission lossesor scattering, the electric and magnetic field configurations can changeas the guided wave 708 propagates down wire 702.

In an embodiment, the arc coupler 704 can be composed of nylon, Teflon,polyethylene, a polyamide, or other plastics. In other embodiments,other dielectric materials are possible. The wire surface of wire 702can be metallic with either a bare metallic surface, or can be insulatedusing plastic, dielectric, insulator or other coating, jacket orsheathing. In an embodiment, a dielectric or otherwisenon-conducting/insulated waveguide can be paired with either abare/metallic wire or insulated wire. In other embodiments, a metallicand/or conductive waveguide can be paired with a bare/metallic wire orinsulated wire. In an embodiment, an oxidation layer on the baremetallic surface of the wire 702 (e.g., resulting from exposure of thebare metallic surface to oxygen/air) can also provide insulating ordielectric properties similar to those provided by some insulators orsheathings.

It is noted that the graphical representations of waves 706, 708 and 710are presented merely to illustrate the principles that wave 706 inducesor otherwise launches a guided wave 708 on a wire 702 that operates, forexample, as a single wire transmission line. Wave 710 represents theportion of wave 706 that remains on the arc coupler 704 after thegeneration of guided wave 708. The actual electric and magnetic fieldsgenerated as a result of such wave propagation may vary depending on thefrequencies employed, the particular wave propagation mode or modes, thedesign of the arc coupler 704, the dimensions and composition of thewire 702, as well as its surface characteristics, its optionalinsulation, the electromagnetic properties of the surroundingenvironment, etc.

It is noted that arc coupler 704 can include a termination circuit ordamper 714 at the end of the arc coupler 704 that can absorb leftoverradiation or energy from wave 710. The termination circuit or damper 714can prevent and/or minimize the leftover radiation or energy from wave710 reflecting back toward transmitter circuit 712. In an embodiment,the termination circuit or damper 714 can include termination resistors,and/or other components that perform impedance matching to attenuatereflection. In some embodiments, if the coupling efficiencies are highenough, and/or wave 710 is sufficiently small, it may not be necessaryto use a termination circuit or damper 714. For the sake of simplicity,these transmitter 712 and termination circuits or dampers 714 may not bedepicted in the other figures, but in those embodiments, transmitter andtermination circuits or dampers may possibly be used.

Further, while a single arc coupler 704 is presented that generates asingle guided wave 708, multiple arc couplers 704 placed at differentpoints along the wire 702 and/or at different azimuthal orientationsabout the wire can be employed to generate and receive multiple guidedwaves 708 at the same or different frequencies, at the same or differentphases, at the same or different wave propagation modes.

FIG. 8, a block diagram 800 illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of an arc coupler is shown. In the embodiment shown, at leasta portion of the coupler 704 can be placed near a wire 702 or othertransmission medium, (such as transmission medium 125), in order tofacilitate coupling between the arc coupler 704 and the wire 702 orother transmission medium, to extract a portion of the guided wave 806as a guided wave 808 as described herein. The arc coupler 704 can beplaced such that a portion of the curved arc coupler 704 is tangentialto, and parallel or substantially parallel to the wire 702. The portionof the arc coupler 704 that is parallel to the wire can be an apex ofthe curve, or any point where a tangent of the curve is parallel to thewire 702. When the arc coupler 704 is positioned or placed thusly, thewave 806 travelling along the wire 702 couples, at least in part, to thearc coupler 704, and propagates as guided wave 808 along the arc coupler704 to a receiving device (not expressly shown). A portion of the wave806 that does not couple to the arc coupler propagates as wave 810 alongthe wire 702 or other transmission medium.

In an embodiment, the wave 806 can exhibit one or more wave propagationmodes. The arc coupler modes can be dependent on the shape and/or designof the coupler 704. The one or more modes of guided wave 806 cangenerate, influence, or impact one or more guide-wave modes of theguided wave 808 propagating along the arc coupler 704. It should beparticularly noted however that the guided wave modes present in theguided wave 806 may be the same or different from the guided wave modesof the guided wave 808. In this fashion, one or more guided wave modesof the guided wave 806 may not be transferred to the guided wave 808,and further one or more guided wave modes of guided wave 808 may nothave been present in guided wave 806.

Referring now to FIG. 9A, a block diagram 900 illustrating an example,non-limiting embodiment of a stub coupler is shown. In particular acoupling device that includes stub coupler 904 is presented for use in atransmission device, such as transmission device 101 or 102 presented inconjunction with FIG. 1. The stub coupler 904 can be made of adielectric material, or other low-loss insulator (e.g., Teflon,polyethylene and etc.), or made of a conducting (e.g., metallic,non-metallic, etc.) material, or any combination of the foregoingmaterials. As shown, the stub coupler 904 operates as a waveguide andhas a wave 906 propagating as a guided wave about a waveguide surface ofthe stub coupler 904. In the embodiment shown, at least a portion of thestub coupler 904 can be placed near a wire 702 or other transmissionmedium, (such as transmission medium 125), in order to facilitatecoupling between the stub coupler 904 and the wire 702 or othertransmission medium, as described herein to launch the guided wave 908on the wire.

In an embodiment, the stub coupler 904 is curved, and an end of the stubcoupler 904 can be tied, fastened, or otherwise mechanically coupled toa wire 702. When the end of the stub coupler 904 is fastened to the wire702, the end of the stub coupler 904 is parallel or substantiallyparallel to the wire 702. Alternatively, another portion of thedielectric waveguide beyond an end can be fastened or coupled to wire702 such that the fastened or coupled portion is parallel orsubstantially parallel to the wire 702. The fastener 910 can be a nyloncable tie or other type of non-conducting/dielectric material that iseither separate from the stub coupler 904 or constructed as anintegrated component of the stub coupler 904. The stub coupler 904 canbe adjacent to the wire 702 without surrounding the wire 702.

Like the arc coupler 704 described in conjunction with FIG. 7, when thestub coupler 904 is placed with the end parallel to the wire 702, theguided wave 906 travelling along the stub coupler 904 couples to thewire 702, and propagates as guided wave 908 about the wire surface ofthe wire 702. In an example embodiment, the guided wave 908 can becharacterized as a surface wave or other electromagnetic wave.

It is noted that the graphical representations of waves 906 and 908 arepresented merely to illustrate the principles that wave 906 induces orotherwise launches a guided wave 908 on a wire 702 that operates, forexample, as a single wire transmission line. The actual electric andmagnetic fields generated as a result of such wave propagation may varydepending on one or more of the shape and/or design of the coupler, therelative position of the dielectric waveguide to the wire, thefrequencies employed, the design of the stub coupler 904, the dimensionsand composition of the wire 702, as well as its surface characteristics,its optional insulation, the electromagnetic properties of thesurrounding environment, etc.

In an embodiment, an end of stub coupler 904 can taper towards the wire702 in order to increase coupling efficiencies. Indeed, the tapering ofthe end of the stub coupler 904 can provide impedance matching to thewire 702 and reduce reflections, according to an example embodiment ofthe subject disclosure. For example, an end of the stub coupler 904 canbe gradually tapered in order to obtain a desired level of couplingbetween waves 906 and 908 as illustrated in FIG. 9A.

In an embodiment, the fastener 910 can be placed such that there is ashort length of the stub coupler 904 between the fastener 910 and an endof the stub coupler 904. Maximum coupling efficiencies are realized inthis embodiment when the length of the end of the stub coupler 904 thatis beyond the fastener 910 is at least several wavelengths long forwhatever frequency is being transmitted.

Turning now to FIG. 9B, a diagram 950 illustrating an example,non-limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic distribution in accordancewith various aspects described herein is shown. In particular, anelectromagnetic distribution is presented in two dimensions for atransmission device that includes coupler 952, shown in an example stubcoupler constructed of a dielectric material. The coupler 952 couples anelectromagnetic wave for propagation as a guided wave along an outersurface of a wire 702 or other transmission medium.

The coupler 952 guides the electromagnetic wave to a junction at x₀ viaa symmetrical guided wave mode. While some of the energy of theelectromagnetic wave that propagates along the coupler 952 is outside ofthe coupler 952, the majority of the energy of this electromagnetic waveis contained within the coupler 952. The junction at x₀ couples theelectromagnetic wave to the wire 702 or other transmission medium at anazimuthal angle corresponding to the bottom of the transmission medium.This coupling induces an electromagnetic wave that is guided topropagate along the outer surface of the wire 702 or other transmissionmedium via at least one guided wave mode in direction 956. The majorityof the energy of the guided electromagnetic wave is outside or, but inclose proximity to the outer surface of the wire 702 or othertransmission medium. In the example shown, the junction at x₀ forms anelectromagnetic wave that propagates via both a symmetrical mode and atleast one asymmetrical surface mode, such as the first order modepresented in conjunction with FIG. 3, that skims the surface of the wire702 or other transmission medium.

It is noted that the graphical representations of guided waves arepresented merely to illustrate an example of guided wave coupling andpropagation. The actual electric and magnetic fields generated as aresult of such wave propagation may vary depending on the frequenciesemployed, the design and/or configuration of the coupler 952, thedimensions and composition of the wire 702 or other transmission medium,as well as its surface characteristics, its insulation if present, theelectromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, etc.

Turning now to FIG. 10A, illustrated is a block diagram 1000 of anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a coupler and transceiver system inaccordance with various aspects described herein. The system is anexample of transmission device 101 or 102. In particular, thecommunication interface 1008 is an example of communications interface205, the stub coupler 1002 is an example of coupler 220, and thetransmitter/receiver device 1006, diplexer 1016, power amplifier 1014,low noise amplifier 1018, frequency mixers 1010 and 1020 and localoscillator 1012 collectively form an example of transceiver 210.

In operation, the transmitter/receiver device 1006 launches and receiveswaves (e.g., guided wave 1004 onto stub coupler 1002). The guided waves1004 can be used to transport signals received from and sent to a hostdevice, base station, mobile devices, a building or other device by wayof a communications interface 1008. The communications interface 1008can be an integral part of system 1000. Alternatively, thecommunications interface 1008 can be tethered to system 1000. Thecommunications interface 1008 can comprise a wireless interface forinterfacing to the host device, base station, mobile devices, a buildingor other device utilizing any of various wireless signaling protocols(e.g., LTE, WiFi, WiMAX, IEEE 802.xx, etc.) including an infraredprotocol such as an infrared data association (IrDA) protocol or otherline of sight optical protocol. The communications interface 1008 canalso comprise a wired interface such as a fiber optic line, coaxialcable, twisted pair, category 5 (CAT-5) cable or other suitable wired oroptical mediums for communicating with the host device, base station,mobile devices, a building or other device via a protocol such as anEthernet protocol, universal serial bus (USB) protocol, a data overcable service interface specification (DOCSIS) protocol, a digitalsubscriber line (DSL) protocol, a Firewire (IEEE 1394) protocol, orother wired or optical protocol. For embodiments where system 1000functions as a repeater, the communications interface 1008 may not benecessary.

The output signals (e.g., Tx) of the communications interface 1008 canbe combined with a carrier wave (e.g., millimeter-wave carrier wave)generated by a local oscillator 1012 at frequency mixer 1010. Frequencymixer 1010 can use heterodyning techniques or other frequency shiftingtechniques to frequency shift the output signals from communicationsinterface 1008. For example, signals sent to and from the communicationsinterface 1008 can be modulated signals such as orthogonal frequencydivision multiplexed (OFDM) signals formatted in accordance with aLong-Term Evolution (LTE) wireless protocol or other wireless 3G, 4G, 5Gor higher voice and data protocol, a Zigbee, WIMAX, UltraWideband orIEEE 802.11 wireless protocol; a wired protocol such as an Ethernetprotocol, universal serial bus (USB) protocol, a data over cable serviceinterface specification (DOCSIS) protocol, a digital subscriber line(DSL) protocol, a Firewire (IEEE 1394) protocol or other wired orwireless protocol. In an example embodiment, this frequency conversioncan be done in the analog domain, and as a result, the frequencyshifting can be done without regard to the type of communicationsprotocol used by a base station, mobile devices, or in-building devices.As new communications technologies are developed, the communicationsinterface 1008 can be upgraded (e.g., updated with software, firmware,and/or hardware) or replaced and the frequency shifting and transmissionapparatus can remain, simplifying upgrades. The carrier wave can then besent to a power amplifier (“PA”) 1014 and can be transmitted via thetransmitter receiver device 1006 via the diplexer 1016.

Signals received from the transmitter/receiver device 1006 that aredirected towards the communications interface 1008 can be separated fromother signals via diplexer 1016. The received signal can then be sent tolow noise amplifier (“LNA”) 1018 for amplification. A frequency mixer1020, with help from local oscillator 1012 can downshift the receivedsignal (which is in the millimeter-wave band or around 38 GHz in someembodiments) to the native frequency. The communications interface 1008can then receive the transmission at an input port (Rx).

In an embodiment, transmitter/receiver device 1006 can include acylindrical or non-cylindrical metal (which, for example, can be hollowin an embodiment, but not necessarily drawn to scale) or otherconducting or non-conducting waveguide and an end of the stub coupler1002 can be placed in or in proximity to the waveguide or thetransmitter/receiver device 1006 such that when the transmitter/receiverdevice 1006 generates a transmission, the guided wave couples to stubcoupler 1002 and propagates as a guided wave 1004 about the waveguidesurface of the stub coupler 1002. In some embodiments, the guided wave1004 can propagate in part on the outer surface of the stub coupler 1002and in part inside the stub coupler 1002. In other embodiments, theguided wave 1004 can propagate substantially or completely on the outersurface of the stub coupler 1002. In yet other embodiments, the guidedwave 1004 can propagate substantially or completely inside the stubcoupler 1002. In this latter embodiment, the guided wave 1004 canradiate at an end of the stub coupler 1002 (such as the tapered endshown in FIG. 4) for coupling to a transmission medium such as a wire702 of FIG. 7. Similarly, if guided wave 1004 is incoming (coupled tothe stub coupler 1002 from a wire 702), guided wave 1004 then enters thetransmitter/receiver device 1006 and couples to the cylindricalwaveguide or conducting waveguide. While transmitter/receiver device1006 is shown to include a separate waveguide—an antenna, cavityresonator, klystron, magnetron, travelling wave tube, or other radiatingelement can be employed to induce a guided wave on the coupler 1002,with or without the separate waveguide.

In an embodiment, stub coupler 1002 can be wholly constructed of adielectric material (or another suitable insulating material), withoutany metallic or otherwise conducting materials therein. Stub coupler1002 can be composed of nylon, Teflon, polyethylene, a polyamide, otherplastics, or other materials that are non-conducting and suitable forfacilitating transmission of electromagnetic waves at least in part onan outer surface of such materials. In another embodiment, stub coupler1002 can include a core that is conducting/metallic, and have anexterior dielectric surface. Similarly, a transmission medium thatcouples to the stub coupler 1002 for propagating electromagnetic wavesinduced by the stub coupler 1002 or for supplying electromagnetic wavesto the stub coupler 1002 can, in addition to being a bare or insulatedwire, be wholly constructed of a dielectric material (or anothersuitable insulating material), without any metallic or otherwiseconducting materials therein.

It is noted that although FIG. 10A shows that the opening of transmitterreceiver device 1006 is much wider than the stub coupler 1002, this isnot to scale, and that in other embodiments the width of the stubcoupler 1002 is comparable or slightly smaller than the opening of thehollow waveguide. It is also not shown, but in an embodiment, an end ofthe coupler 1002 that is inserted into the transmitter/receiver device1006 tapers down in order to reduce reflection and increase couplingefficiencies.

Before coupling to the stub coupler 1002, the one or more waveguidemodes of the guided wave generated by the transmitter/receiver device1006 can couple to the stub coupler 1002 to induce one or more wavepropagation modes of the guided wave 1004. The wave propagation modes ofthe guided wave 1004 can be different than the hollow metal waveguidemodes due to the different characteristics of the hollow metal waveguideand the dielectric waveguide. For instance, wave propagation modes ofthe guided wave 1004 can comprise the fundamental transverseelectromagnetic mode (Quasi-TEM₀₀), where only small electrical and/ormagnetic fields extend in the direction of propagation, and the electricand magnetic fields extend radially outwards from the stub coupler 1002while the guided waves propagate along the stub coupler 1002. Thefundamental transverse electromagnetic mode wave propagation mode may ormay not exist inside a waveguide that is hollow. Therefore, the hollowmetal waveguide modes that are used by transmitter/receiver device 1006are waveguide modes that can couple effectively and efficiently to wavepropagation modes of stub coupler 1002.

It will be appreciated that other constructs or combinations of thetransmitter/receiver device 1006 and stub coupler 1002 are possible. Forexample, a stub coupler 1002′ can be placed tangentially or in parallel(with or without a gap) with respect to an outer surface of the hollowmetal waveguide of the transmitter/receiver device 1006′ (correspondingcircuitry not shown) as depicted by reference 1000′ of FIG. 10B. Inanother embodiment, not shown by reference 1000′, the stub coupler 1002′can be placed inside the hollow metal waveguide of thetransmitter/receiver device 1006′ without an axis of the stub coupler1002′ being coaxially aligned with an axis of the hollow metal waveguideof the transmitter/receiver device 1006′. In either of theseembodiments, the guided wave generated by the transmitter/receiverdevice 1006′ can couple to a surface of the stub coupler 1002′ to induceone or more wave propagation modes of the guided wave 1004′ on the stubcoupler 1002′ including a fundamental mode (e.g., a symmetric mode)and/or a non-fundamental mode (e.g., asymmetric mode).

In one embodiment, the guided wave 1004′ can propagate in part on theouter surface of the stub coupler 1002′ and in part inside the stubcoupler 1002′. In another embodiment, the guided wave 1004′ canpropagate substantially or completely on the outer surface of the stubcoupler 1002′. In yet other embodiments, the guided wave 1004′ canpropagate substantially or completely inside the stub coupler 1002′. Inthis latter embodiment, the guided wave 1004′ can radiate at an end ofthe stub coupler 1002′ (such as the tapered end shown in FIG. 9) forcoupling to a transmission medium such as a wire 702 of FIG. 9.

It will be further appreciated that other constructs thetransmitter/receiver device 1006 are possible. For example, a hollowmetal waveguide of a transmitter/receiver device 1006″ (correspondingcircuitry not shown), depicted in FIG. 10B as reference 1000″, can beplaced tangentially or in parallel (with or without a gap) with respectto an outer surface of a transmission medium such as the wire 702 ofFIG. 4 without the use of the stub coupler 1002. In this embodiment, theguided wave generated by the transmitter/receiver device 1006″ cancouple to a surface of the wire 702 to induce one or more wavepropagation modes of a guided wave 908 on the wire 702 including afundamental mode (e.g., a symmetric mode) and/or a non-fundamental mode(e.g., asymmetric mode). In another embodiment, the wire 702 can bepositioned inside a hollow metal waveguide of a transmitter/receiverdevice 1006″′ (corresponding circuitry not shown) so that an axis of thewire 702 is coaxially (or not coaxially) aligned with an axis of thehollow metal waveguide without the use of the stub coupler 1002—seeFIGS. 10B reference 1000″′. In this embodiment, the guided wavegenerated by the transmitter/receiver device 1006″′ can couple to asurface of the wire 702 to induce one or more wave propagation modes ofa guided wave 908 on the wire including a fundamental mode (e.g., asymmetric mode) and/or a non-fundamental mode (e.g., asymmetric mode).

In the embodiments of 1000″ and 1000″′, for a wire 702 having aninsulated outer surface, the guided wave 908 can propagate in part onthe outer surface of the insulator and in part inside the insulator. Inembodiments, the guided wave 908 can propagate substantially orcompletely on the outer surface of the insulator, or substantially orcompletely inside the insulator. In the embodiments of 1000″ and 1000″′,for a wire 702 that is a bare conductor, the guided wave 908 canpropagate in part on the outer surface of the conductor and in partinside the conductor. In another embodiment, the guided wave 908 canpropagate substantially or completely on the outer surface of theconductor.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a block diagram 1100 illustrating an example,non-limiting embodiment of a dual stub coupler is shown. In particular,a dual coupler design is presented for use in a transmission device,such as transmission device 101 or 102 presented in conjunction withFIG. 1. In an embodiment, two or more couplers (such as the stubcouplers 1104 and 1106) can be positioned around a wire 1102 in order toreceive guided wave 1108. In an embodiment, one coupler is enough toreceive the guided wave 1108. In that case, guided wave 1108 couples tocoupler 1104 and propagates as guided wave 1110. If the field structureof the guided wave 1108 oscillates or undulates around the wire 1102 dueto the particular guided wave mode(s) or various outside factors, thencoupler 1106 can be placed such that guided wave 1108 couples to coupler1106. In some embodiments, four or more couplers can be placed around aportion of the wire 1102, e.g., at 90 degrees or another spacing withrespect to each other, in order to receive guided waves that mayoscillate or rotate around the wire 1102, that have been induced atdifferent azimuthal orientations or that have non-fundamental or higherorder modes that, for example, have lobes and/or nulls or otherasymmetries that are orientation dependent. However, it will beappreciated that there may be less than or more than four couplersplaced around a portion of the wire 1102 without departing from exampleembodiments.

It should be noted that while couplers 1106 and 1104 are illustrated asstub couplers, any other of the coupler designs described hereinincluding arc couplers, antenna or horn couplers, magnetic couplers,etc., could likewise be used. It will also be appreciated that whilesome example embodiments have presented a plurality of couplers aroundat least a portion of a wire 1102, this plurality of couplers can alsobe considered as part of a single coupler system having multiple couplersubcomponents. For example, two or more couplers can be manufactured assingle system that can be installed around a wire in a singleinstallation such that the couplers are either pre-positioned oradjustable relative to each other (either manually or automatically witha controllable mechanism such as a motor or other actuator) inaccordance with the single system.

Receivers coupled to couplers 1106 and 1104 can use diversity combiningto combine signals received from both couplers 1106 and 1104 in order tomaximize the signal quality. In other embodiments, if one or the otherof the couplers 1104 and 1106 receive a transmission that is above apredetermined threshold, receivers can use selection diversity whendeciding which signal to use. Further, while reception by a plurality ofcouplers 1106 and 1104 is illustrated, transmission by couplers 1106 and1104 in the same configuration can likewise take place. In particular, awide range of multi-input multi-output (MIMO) transmission and receptiontechniques can be employed for transmissions where a transmissiondevice, such as transmission device 101 or 102 presented in conjunctionwith FIG. 1 includes multiple transceivers and multiple couplers.

It is noted that the graphical representations of waves 1108 and 1110are presented merely to illustrate the principles that guided wave 1108induces or otherwise launches a wave 1110 on a coupler 1104. The actualelectric and magnetic fields generated as a result of such wavepropagation may vary depending on the frequencies employed, the designof the coupler 1104, the dimensions and composition of the wire 1102, aswell as its surface characteristics, its insulation if any, theelectromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a block diagram 1200 illustrating an example,non-limiting embodiment of a repeater system is shown. In particular, arepeater device 1210 is presented for use in a transmission device, suchas transmission device 101 or 102 presented in conjunction with FIG. 1.In this system, two couplers 1204 and 1214 can be placed near a wire1202 or other transmission medium such that guided waves 1205propagating along the wire 1202 are extracted by coupler 1204 as wave1206 (e.g. as a guided wave), and then are boosted or repeated byrepeater device 1210 and launched as a wave 1216 (e.g. as a guided wave)onto coupler 1214. The wave 1216 can then be launched on the wire 1202and continue to propagate along the wire 1202 as a guided wave 1217. Inan embodiment, the repeater device 1210 can receive at least a portionof the power utilized for boosting or repeating through magneticcoupling with the wire 1202, for example, when the wire 1202 is a powerline or otherwise contains a power-carrying conductor. It should benoted that while couplers 1204 and 1214 are illustrated as stubcouplers, any other of the coupler designs described herein includingarc couplers, antenna or horn couplers, magnetic couplers, or the like,could likewise be used.

In some embodiments, repeater device 1210 can repeat the transmissionassociated with wave 1206, and in other embodiments, repeater device1210 can include a communications interface 205 that extracts data orother signals from the wave 1206 for supplying such data or signals toanother network and/or one or more other devices as communicationsignals 110 or 112 and/or receiving communication signals 110 or 112from another network and/or one or more other devices and launch guidedwave 1216 having embedded therein the received communication signals 110or 112. In a repeater configuration, receiver waveguide 1208 can receivethe wave 1206 from the coupler 1204 and transmitter waveguide 1212 canlaunch guided wave 1216 onto coupler 1214 as guided wave 1217. Betweenreceiver waveguide 1208 and transmitter waveguide 1212, the signalembedded in guided wave 1206 and/or the guided wave 1216 itself can beamplified to correct for signal loss and other inefficiencies associatedwith guided wave communications or the signal can be received andprocessed to extract the data contained therein and regenerated fortransmission. In an embodiment, the receiver waveguide 1208 can beconfigured to extract data from the signal, process the data to correctfor data errors utilizing for example error correcting codes, andregenerate an updated signal with the corrected data. The transmitterwaveguide 1212 can then transmit guided wave 1216 with the updatedsignal embedded therein. In an embodiment, a signal embedded in guidedwave 1206 can be extracted from the transmission and processed forcommunication with another network and/or one or more other devices viacommunications interface 205 as communication signals 110 or 112.Similarly, communication signals 110 or 112 received by thecommunications interface 205 can be inserted into a transmission ofguided wave 1216 that is generated and launched onto coupler 1214 bytransmitter waveguide 1212.

It is noted that although FIG. 12 shows guided wave transmissions 1206and 1216 entering from the left and exiting to the right respectively,this is merely a simplification and is not intended to be limiting. Inother embodiments, receiver waveguide 1208 and transmitter waveguide1212 can also function as transmitters and receivers respectively,allowing the repeater device 1210 to be bi-directional.

In an embodiment, repeater device 1210 can be placed at locations wherethere are discontinuities or obstacles on the wire 1202 or othertransmission medium. In the case where the wire 1202 is a power line,these obstacles can include transformers, connections, utility poles,and other such power line devices. The repeater device 1210 can help theguided (e.g., surface) waves jump over these obstacles on the line andboost the transmission power at the same time. In other embodiments, acoupler can be used to jump over the obstacle without the use of arepeater device. In that embodiment, both ends of the coupler can betied or fastened to the wire, thus providing a path for the guided waveto travel without being blocked by the obstacle.

Turning now to FIG. 13, illustrated is a block diagram 1300 of anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a bidirectional repeater inaccordance with various aspects described herein. In particular, abidirectional repeater device 1306 is presented for use in atransmission device, such as transmission device 101 or 102 presented inconjunction with FIG. 1. It should be noted that while the couplers areillustrated as stub couplers, any other of the coupler designs describedherein including arc couplers, antenna or horn couplers, magneticcouplers, or the like, could likewise be used. The bidirectionalrepeater 1306 can employ diversity paths in the case of when two or morewires or other transmission media are present. Since guided wavetransmissions have different transmission efficiencies and couplingefficiencies for transmission medium of different types such asinsulated wires, un-insulated wires or other types of transmission mediaand further, if exposed to the elements, can be affected by weather, andother atmospheric conditions, it can be advantageous to selectivelytransmit on different transmission media at certain times. In variousembodiments, the various transmission media can be designated as aprimary, secondary, tertiary, etc. whether or not such designationindicates a preference of one transmission medium over another.

In the embodiment shown, the transmission media include an insulated oruninsulated wire 1302 and an insulated or uninsulated wire 1304(referred to herein as wires 1302 and 1304, respectively). The repeaterdevice 1306 uses a receiver coupler 1308 to receive a guided wavetraveling along wire 1302 and repeats the transmission using transmitterwaveguide 1310 as a guided wave along wire 1304. In other embodiments,repeater device 1306 can switch from the wire 1304 to the wire 1302, orcan repeat the transmissions along the same paths. Repeater device 1306can include sensors, or be in communication with sensors (or a networkmanagement system 1601 depicted in FIG. 16A) that indicate conditionsthat can affect the transmission. Based on the feedback received fromthe sensors, the repeater device 1306 can make the determination aboutwhether to keep the transmission along the same wire, or transfer thetransmission to the other wire.

Turning now to FIG. 14, illustrated is a block diagram 1400 illustratingan example, non-limiting embodiment of a bidirectional repeater system.In particular, a bidirectional repeater system is presented for use in atransmission device, such as transmission device 101 or 102 presented inconjunction with FIG. 1. The bidirectional repeater system includeswaveguide coupling devices 1402 and 1404 that receive and transmittransmissions from other coupling devices located in a distributedantenna system or backhaul system.

In various embodiments, waveguide coupling device 1402 can receive atransmission from another waveguide coupling device, wherein thetransmission has a plurality of subcarriers. Diplexer 1406 can separatethe transmission from other transmissions, and direct the transmissionto low-noise amplifier (“LNA”) 1408. A frequency mixer 1428, with helpfrom a local oscillator 1412, can downshift the transmission (which isin the millimeter-wave band or around 38 GHz in some embodiments) to alower frequency, such as a cellular band (˜1.9 GHz) for a distributedantenna system, a native frequency, or other frequency for a backhaulsystem. An extractor (or demultiplexer) 1432 can extract the signal on asubcarrier and direct the signal to an output component 1422 foroptional amplification, buffering or isolation by power amplifier 1424for coupling to communications interface 205. The communicationsinterface 205 can further process the signals received from the poweramplifier 1424 or otherwise transmit such signals over a wireless orwired interface to other devices such as a base station, mobile devices,a building, etc. For the signals that are not being extracted at thislocation, extractor 1432 can redirect them to another frequency mixer1436, where the signals are used to modulate a carrier wave generated bylocal oscillator 1414. The carrier wave, with its subcarriers, isdirected to a power amplifier (“PA”) 1416 and is retransmitted bywaveguide coupling device 1404 to another system, via diplexer 1420.

An LNA 1426 can be used to amplify, buffer or isolate signals that arereceived by the communication interface 205 and then send the signal toa multiplexer 1434 which merges the signal with signals that have beenreceived from waveguide coupling device 1404. The signals received fromcoupling device 1404 have been split by diplexer 1420, and then passedthrough LNA 1418, and downshifted in frequency by frequency mixer 1438.When the signals are combined by multiplexer 1434, they are upshifted infrequency by frequency mixer 1430, and then boosted by PA 1410, andtransmitted to another system by waveguide coupling device 1402. In anembodiment bidirectional repeater system can be merely a repeaterwithout the output device 1422. In this embodiment, the multiplexer 1434would not be utilized and signals from LNA 1418 would be directed tomixer 1430 as previously described. It will be appreciated that in someembodiments, the bidirectional repeater system could also be implementedusing two distinct and separate unidirectional repeaters. In analternative embodiment, a bidirectional repeater system could also be abooster or otherwise perform retransmissions without downshifting andupshifting. Indeed in example embodiment, the retransmissions can bebased upon receiving a signal or guided wave and performing some signalor guided wave processing or reshaping, filtering, and/or amplification,prior to retransmission of the signal or guided wave.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a block diagram 1500 illustrating an example,non-limiting embodiment of a guided wave communications system is shown.This diagram depicts an exemplary environment in which a guided wavecommunication system, such as the guided wave communication systempresented in conjunction with FIG. 1, can be used.

To provide network connectivity to additional base station devices, abackhaul network that links the communication cells (e.g., macrocellsand macrocells) to network devices of a core network correspondinglyexpands. Similarly, to provide network connectivity to a distributedantenna system, an extended communication system that links base stationdevices and their distributed antennas is desirable. A guided wavecommunication system 1500 such as shown in FIG. 15 can be provided toenable alternative, increased or additional network connectivity and awaveguide coupling system can be provided to transmit and/or receiveguided wave (e.g., surface wave) communications on a transmission mediumsuch as a wire that operates as a single-wire transmission line (e.g., autility line), and that can be used as a waveguide and/or that otherwiseoperates to guide the transmission of an electromagnetic wave.

The guided wave communication system 1500 can comprise a first instanceof a distribution system 1550 that includes one or more base stationdevices (e.g., base station device 1504) that are communicably coupledto a central office 1501 and/or a macrocell site 1502. Base stationdevice 1504 can be connected by a wired (e.g., fiber and/or cable), orby a wireless (e.g., microwave wireless) connection to the macrocellsite 1502 and the central office 1501. A second instance of thedistribution system 1560 can be used to provide wireless voice and dataservices to mobile device 1522 and to residential and/or commercialestablishments 1542 (herein referred to as establishments 1542). System1500 can have additional instances of the distribution systems 1550 and1560 for providing voice and/or data services to mobile devices1522-1524 and establishments 1542 as shown in FIG. 15.

Macrocells such as macrocell site 1502 can have dedicated connections toa mobile network and base station device 1504 or can share and/orotherwise use another connection. Central office 1501 can be used todistribute media content and/or provide internet service provider (ISP)services to mobile devices 1522-1524 and establishments 1542. Thecentral office 1501 can receive media content from a constellation ofsatellites 1530 (one of which is shown in FIG. 15) or other sources ofcontent, and distribute such content to mobile devices 1522-1524 andestablishments 1542 via the first and second instances of thedistribution system 1550 and 1560. The central office 1501 can also becommunicatively coupled to the Internet 1503 for providing internet dataservices to mobile devices 1522-1524 and establishments 1542.

Base station device 1504 can be mounted on, or attached to, utility pole1516. In other embodiments, base station device 1504 can be neartransformers and/or other locations situated nearby a power line. Basestation device 1504 can facilitate connectivity to a mobile network formobile devices 1522 and 1524. Antennas 1512 and 1514, mounted on or nearutility poles 1518 and 1520, respectively, can receive signals from basestation device 1504 and transmit those signals to mobile devices 1522and 1524 over a much wider area than if the antennas 1512 and 1514 werelocated at or near base station device 1504.

It is noted that FIG. 15 displays three utility poles, in each instanceof the distribution systems 1550 and 1560, with one base station device,for purposes of simplicity. In other embodiments, utility pole 1516 canhave more base station devices, and more utility poles with distributedantennas and/or tethered connections to establishments 1542.

A transmission device 1506, such as transmission device 101 or 102presented in conjunction with FIG. 1, can transmit a signal from basestation device 1504 to antennas 1512 and 1514 via utility or powerline(s) that connect the utility poles 1516, 1518, and 1520. To transmitthe signal, radio source and/or transmission device 1506 upconverts thesignal (e.g., via frequency mixing) from base station device 1504 orotherwise converts the signal from the base station device 1504 to amicrowave band signal and the transmission device 1506 launches amicrowave band wave that propagates as a guided wave traveling along theutility line or other wire as described in previous embodiments. Atutility pole 1518, another transmission device 1508 receives the guidedwave (and optionally can amplify it as needed or desired or operate as arepeater to receive it and regenerate it) and sends it forward as aguided wave on the utility line or other wire. The transmission device1508 can also extract a signal from the microwave band guided wave andshift it down in frequency or otherwise convert it to its originalcellular band frequency (e.g., 1.9 GHz or other defined cellularfrequency) or another cellular (or non-cellular) band frequency. Anantenna 1512 can wireless transmit the downshifted signal to mobiledevice 1522. The process can be repeated by transmission device 1510,antenna 1514 and mobile device 1524, as necessary or desirable.

Transmissions from mobile devices 1522 and 1524 can also be received byantennas 1512 and 1514 respectively. The transmission devices 1508 and1510 can upshift or otherwise convert the cellular band signals tomicrowave band and transmit the signals as guided wave (e.g., surfacewave or other electromagnetic wave) transmissions over the power line(s)to base station device 1504.

Media content received by the central office 1501 can be supplied to thesecond instance of the distribution system 1560 via the base stationdevice 1504 for distribution to mobile devices 1522 and establishments1542. The transmission device 1510 can be tethered to the establishments1542 by one or more wired connections or a wireless interface. The oneor more wired connections may include without limitation, a power line,a coaxial cable, a fiber cable, a twisted pair cable, a guided wavetransmission medium or other suitable wired mediums for distribution ofmedia content and/or for providing internet services. In an exampleembodiment, the wired connections from the transmission device 1510 canbe communicatively coupled to one or more very high bit rate digitalsubscriber line (VDSL) modems located at one or more correspondingservice area interfaces (SAIs—not shown) or pedestals, each SAI orpedestal providing services to a portion of the establishments 1542. TheVDSL modems can be used to selectively distribute media content and/orprovide internet services to gateways (not shown) located in theestablishments 1542. The SAIs or pedestals can also be communicativelycoupled to the establishments 1542 over a wired medium such as a powerline, a coaxial cable, a fiber cable, a twisted pair cable, a guidedwave transmission medium or other suitable wired mediums. In otherexample embodiments, the transmission device 1510 can be communicativelycoupled directly to establishments 1542 without intermediate interfacessuch as the SAIs or pedestals.

In another example embodiment, system 1500 can employ diversity paths,where two or more utility lines or other wires are strung between theutility poles 1516, 1518, and 1520 (e.g., for example, two or more wiresbetween poles 1516 and 1520) and redundant transmissions from basestation/macrocell site 1502 are transmitted as guided waves down thesurface of the utility lines or other wires. The utility lines or otherwires can be either insulated or uninsulated, and depending on theenvironmental conditions that cause transmission losses, the couplingdevices can selectively receive signals from the insulated oruninsulated utility lines or other wires. The selection can be based onmeasurements of the signal-to-noise ratio of the wires, or based ondetermined weather/environmental conditions (e.g., moisture detectors,weather forecasts, etc.). The use of diversity paths with system 1500can enable alternate routing capabilities, load balancing, increasedload handling, concurrent bi-directional or synchronous communications,spread spectrum communications, etc.

It is noted that the use of the transmission devices 1506, 1508, and1510 in FIG. 15 are by way of example only, and that in otherembodiments, other uses are possible. For instance, transmission devicescan be used in a backhaul communication system, providing networkconnectivity to base station devices. Transmission devices 1506, 1508,and 1510 can be used in many circumstances where it is desirable totransmit guided wave communications over a wire, whether insulated ornot insulated. Transmission devices 1506, 1508, and 1510 areimprovements over other coupling devices due to no contact or limitedphysical and/or electrical contact with the wires that may carry highvoltages. The transmission device can be located away from the wire(e.g., spaced apart from the wire) and/or located on the wire so long asit is not electrically in contact with the wire, as the dielectric actsas an insulator, allowing for cheap, easy, and/or less complexinstallation. However, as previously noted conducting or non-dielectriccouplers can be employed, for example in configurations where the wirescorrespond to a telephone network, cable television network, broadbanddata service, fiber optic communications system or other networkemploying low voltages or having insulated transmission lines.

It is further noted, that while base station device 1504 and macrocellsite 1502 are illustrated in an embodiment, other network configurationsare likewise possible. For example, devices such as access points orother wireless gateways can be employed in a similar fashion to extendthe reach of other networks such as a wireless local area network, awireless personal area network or other wireless network that operatesin accordance with a communication protocol such as a 802.11 protocol,WIMAX protocol, UltraWideband protocol, Bluetooth protocol, Zigbeeprotocol or other wireless protocol.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A & 16B, block diagrams illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system for managing a power gridcommunication system are shown. Considering FIG. 16A, a waveguide system1602 is presented for use in a guided wave communications system, suchas the system presented in conjunction with FIG. 15. The waveguidesystem 1602 can comprise sensors 1604, a power management system 1605, atransmission device 101 or 102 that includes at least one communicationinterface 205, transceiver 210 and coupler 220.

The waveguide system 1602 can be coupled to a power line 1610 forfacilitating guided wave communications in accordance with embodimentsdescribed in the subject disclosure. In an example embodiment, thetransmission device 101 or 102 includes coupler 220 for inducingelectromagnetic waves on a surface of the power line 1610 thatlongitudinally propagate along the surface of the power line 1610 asdescribed in the subject disclosure. The transmission device 101 or 102can also serve as a repeater for retransmitting electromagnetic waves onthe same power line 1610 or for routing electromagnetic waves betweenpower lines 1610 as shown in FIGS. 12-13.

The transmission device 101 or 102 includes transceiver 210 configuredto, for example, up-convert a signal operating at an original frequencyrange to electromagnetic waves operating at, exhibiting, or associatedwith a carrier frequency that propagate along a coupler to inducecorresponding guided electromagnetic waves that propagate along asurface of the power line 1610. A carrier frequency can be representedby a center frequency having upper and lower cutoff frequencies thatdefine the bandwidth of the electromagnetic waves. The power line 1610can be a wire (e.g., single stranded or multi-stranded) having aconducting surface or insulated surface. The transceiver 210 can alsoreceive signals from the coupler 220 and down-convert theelectromagnetic waves operating at a carrier frequency to signals attheir original frequency.

Signals received by the communications interface 205 of transmissiondevice 101 or 102 for up-conversion can include without limitationsignals supplied by a central office 1611 over a wired or wirelessinterface of the communications interface 205, a base station 1614 overa wired or wireless interface of the communications interface 205,wireless signals transmitted by mobile devices 1620 to the base station1614 for delivery over the wired or wireless interface of thecommunications interface 205, signals supplied by in-buildingcommunication devices 1618 over the wired or wireless interface of thecommunications interface 205, and/or wireless signals supplied to thecommunications interface 205 by mobile devices 1612 roaming in awireless communication range of the communications interface 205. Inembodiments where the waveguide system 1602 functions as a repeater,such as shown in FIGS. 12-13, the communications interface 205 may ormay not be included in the waveguide system 1602.

The electromagnetic waves propagating along the surface of the powerline 1610 can be modulated and formatted to include packets or frames ofdata that include a data payload and further include networkinginformation (such as header information for identifying one or moredestination waveguide systems 1602). The networking information may beprovided by the waveguide system 1602 or an originating device such asthe central office 1611, the base station 1614, mobile devices 1620, orin-building devices 1618, or a combination thereof. Additionally, themodulated electromagnetic waves can include error correction data formitigating signal disturbances. The networking information and errorcorrection data can be used by a destination waveguide system 1602 fordetecting transmissions directed to it, and for down-converting andprocessing with error correction data transmissions that include voiceand/or data signals directed to recipient communication devicescommunicatively coupled to the destination waveguide system 1602.

Referring now to the sensors 1604 of the waveguide system 1602, thesensors 1604 can comprise one or more of a temperature sensor 1604 a, adisturbance detection sensor 1604 b, a loss of energy sensor 1604 c, anoise sensor 1604 d, a vibration sensor 1604 e, an environmental (e.g.,weather) sensor 1604 f, and/or an image sensor 1604 g. The temperaturesensor 1604 a can be used to measure ambient temperature, a temperatureof the transmission device 101 or 102, a temperature of the power line1610, temperature differentials (e.g., compared to a setpoint orbaseline, between transmission device 101 or 102 and 1610, etc.), or anycombination thereof. In one embodiment, temperature metrics can becollected and reported periodically to a network management system 1601by way of the base station 1614.

The disturbance detection sensor 1604 b can perform measurements on thepower line 1610 to detect disturbances such as signal reflections, whichmay indicate a presence of a downstream disturbance that may impede thepropagation of electromagnetic waves on the power line 1610. A signalreflection can represent a distortion resulting from, for example, anelectromagnetic wave transmitted on the power line 1610 by thetransmission device 101 or 102 that reflects in whole or in part back tothe transmission device 101 or 102 from a disturbance in the power line1610 located downstream from the transmission device 101 or 102.

Signal reflections can be caused by obstructions on the power line 1610.For example, a tree limb may cause electromagnetic wave reflections whenthe tree limb is lying on the power line 1610, or is in close proximityto the power line 1610 which may cause a corona discharge. Otherobstructions that can cause electromagnetic wave reflections can includewithout limitation an object that has been entangled on the power line1610 (e.g., clothing, a shoe wrapped around a power line 1610 with ashoe string, etc.), a corroded build-up on the power line 1610 or an icebuild-up. Power grid components may also impede or obstruct with thepropagation of electromagnetic waves on the surface of power lines 1610.Illustrations of power grid components that may cause signal reflectionsinclude without limitation a transformer and a joint for connectingspliced power lines. A sharp angle on the power line 1610 may also causeelectromagnetic wave reflections.

The disturbance detection sensor 1604 b can comprise a circuit tocompare magnitudes of electromagnetic wave reflections to magnitudes oforiginal electromagnetic waves transmitted by the transmission device101 or 102 to determine how much a downstream disturbance in the powerline 1610 attenuates transmissions. The disturbance detection sensor1604 b can further comprise a spectral analyzer circuit for performingspectral analysis on the reflected waves. The spectral data generated bythe spectral analyzer circuit can be compared with spectral profiles viapattern recognition, an expert system, curve fitting, matched filteringor other artificial intelligence, classification or comparison techniqueto identify a type of disturbance based on, for example, the spectralprofile that most closely matches the spectral data. The spectralprofiles can be stored in a memory of the disturbance detection sensor1604 b or may be remotely accessible by the disturbance detection sensor1604 b. The profiles can comprise spectral data that models differentdisturbances that may be encountered on power lines 1610 to enable thedisturbance detection sensor 1604 b to identify disturbances locally. Anidentification of the disturbance if known can be reported to thenetwork management system 1601 by way of the base station 1614. Thedisturbance detection sensor 1604 b can also utilize the transmissiondevice 101 or 102 to transmit electromagnetic waves as test signals todetermine a roundtrip time for an electromagnetic wave reflection. Theround trip time measured by the disturbance detection sensor 1604 b canbe used to calculate a distance traveled by the electromagnetic wave upto a point where the reflection takes place, which enables thedisturbance detection sensor 1604 b to calculate a distance from thetransmission device 101 or 102 to the downstream disturbance on thepower line 1610.

The distance calculated can be reported to the network management system1601 by way of the base station 1614. In one embodiment, the location ofthe waveguide system 1602 on the power line 1610 may be known to thenetwork management system 1601, which the network management system 1601can use to determine a location of the disturbance on the power line1610 based on a known topology of the power grid. In another embodiment,the waveguide system 1602 can provide its location to the networkmanagement system 1601 to assist in the determination of the location ofthe disturbance on the power line 1610. The location of the waveguidesystem 1602 can be obtained by the waveguide system 1602 from apre-programmed location of the waveguide system 1602 stored in a memoryof the waveguide system 1602, or the waveguide system 1602 can determineits location using a GPS receiver (not shown) included in the waveguidesystem 1602.

The power management system 1605 provides energy to the aforementionedcomponents of the waveguide system 1602. The power management system1605 can receive energy from solar cells, or from a transformer (notshown) coupled to the power line 1610, or by inductive coupling to thepower line 1610 or another nearby power line. The power managementsystem 1605 can also include a backup battery and/or a super capacitoror other capacitor circuit for providing the waveguide system 1602 withtemporary power. The loss of energy sensor 1604 c can be used to detectwhen the waveguide system 1602 has a loss of power condition and/or theoccurrence of some other malfunction. For example, the loss of energysensor 1604 c can detect when there is a loss of power due to defectivesolar cells, an obstruction on the solar cells that causes them tomalfunction, loss of power on the power line 1610, and/or when thebackup power system malfunctions due to expiration of a backup battery,or a detectable defect in a super capacitor. When a malfunction and/orloss of power occurs, the loss of energy sensor 1604 c can notify thenetwork management system 1601 by way of the base station 1614.

The noise sensor 1604 d can be used to measure noise on the power line1610 that may adversely affect transmission of electromagnetic waves onthe power line 1610. The noise sensor 1604 d can sense unexpectedelectromagnetic interference, noise bursts, or other sources ofdisturbances that may interrupt reception of modulated electromagneticwaves on a surface of a power line 1610. A noise burst can be caused by,for example, a corona discharge, or other source of noise. The noisesensor 1604 d can compare the measured noise to a noise profile obtainedby the waveguide system 1602 from an internal database of noise profilesor from a remotely located database that stores noise profiles viapattern recognition, an expert system, curve fitting, matched filteringor other artificial intelligence, classification or comparisontechnique. From the comparison, the noise sensor 1604 d may identify anoise source (e.g., corona discharge or otherwise) based on, forexample, the noise profile that provides the closest match to themeasured noise. The noise sensor 1604 d can also detect how noiseaffects transmissions by measuring transmission metrics such as biterror rate, packet loss rate, jitter, packet retransmission requests,etc. The noise sensor 1604 d can report to the network management system1601 by way of the base station 1614 the identity of noise sources,their time of occurrence, and transmission metrics, among other things.

The vibration sensor 1604 e can include accelerometers and/or gyroscopesto detect 2D or 3D vibrations on the power line 1610. The vibrations canbe compared to vibration profiles that can be stored locally in thewaveguide system 1602, or obtained by the waveguide system 1602 from aremote database via pattern recognition, an expert system, curvefitting, matched filtering or other artificial intelligence,classification or comparison technique. Vibration profiles can be used,for example, to distinguish fallen trees from wind gusts based on, forexample, the vibration profile that provides the closest match to themeasured vibrations. The results of this analysis can be reported by thevibration sensor 1604 e to the network management system 1601 by way ofthe base station 1614.

The environmental sensor 1604 f can include a barometer for measuringatmospheric pressure, ambient temperature (which can be provided by thetemperature sensor 1604 a), wind speed, humidity, wind direction, andrainfall, among other things. The environmental sensor 1604 f cancollect raw information and process this information by comparing it toenvironmental profiles that can be obtained from a memory of thewaveguide system 1602 or a remote database to predict weather conditionsbefore they arise via pattern recognition, an expert system,knowledge-based system or other artificial intelligence, classificationor other weather modeling and prediction technique. The environmentalsensor 1604 f can report raw data as well as its analysis to the networkmanagement system 1601.

The image sensor 1604 g can be a digital camera (e.g., a charged coupleddevice or CCD imager, infrared camera, etc.) for capturing images in avicinity of the waveguide system 1602. The image sensor 1604 g caninclude an electromechanical mechanism to control movement (e.g., actualposition or focal points/zooms) of the camera for inspecting the powerline 1610 from multiple perspectives (e.g., top surface, bottom surface,left surface, right surface and so on). Alternatively, the image sensor1604 g can be designed such that no electromechanical mechanism isneeded in order to obtain the multiple perspectives. The collection andretrieval of imaging data generated by the image sensor 1604 g can becontrolled by the network management system 1601, or can be autonomouslycollected and reported by the image sensor 1604 g to the networkmanagement system 1601.

Other sensors that may be suitable for collecting telemetry informationassociated with the waveguide system 1602 and/or the power lines 1610for purposes of detecting, predicting and/or mitigating disturbancesthat can impede the propagation of electromagnetic wave transmissions onpower lines 1610 (or any other form of a transmission medium ofelectromagnetic waves) may be utilized by the waveguide system 1602.

Referring now to FIG. 16B, block diagram 1650 illustrates an example,non-limiting embodiment of a system for managing a power grid 1653 and acommunication system 1655 embedded therein or associated therewith inaccordance with various aspects described herein. The communicationsystem 1655 comprises a plurality of waveguide systems 1602 coupled topower lines 1610 of the power grid 1653. At least a portion of thewaveguide systems 1602 used in the communication system 1655 can be indirect communication with a base station 1614 and/or the networkmanagement system 1601. Waveguide systems 1602 not directly connected toa base station 1614 or the network management system 1601 can engage incommunication sessions with either a base station 1614 or the networkmanagement system 1601 by way of other downstream waveguide systems 1602connected to a base station 1614 or the network management system 1601.

The network management system 1601 can be communicatively coupled toequipment of a utility company 1652 and equipment of a communicationsservice provider 1654 for providing each entity, status informationassociated with the power grid 1653 and the communication system 1655,respectively. The network management system 1601, the equipment of theutility company 1652, and the communications service provider 1654 canaccess communication devices utilized by utility company personnel 1656and/or communication devices utilized by communications service providerpersonnel 1658 for purposes of providing status information and/or fordirecting such personnel in the management of the power grid 1653 and/orcommunication system 1655.

FIG. 17A illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limitingembodiment of a method 1700 for detecting and mitigating disturbancesoccurring in a communication network of the systems of FIGS. 16A & 16B.Method 1700 can begin with step 1702 where a waveguide system 1602transmits and receives messages embedded in, or forming part of,modulated electromagnetic waves or another type of electromagnetic wavestraveling along a surface of a power line 1610. The messages can bevoice messages, streaming video, and/or other data/information exchangedbetween communication devices communicatively coupled to thecommunication system 1655. At step 1704 the sensors 1604 of thewaveguide system 1602 can collect sensing data. In an embodiment, thesensing data can be collected in step 1704 prior to, during, or afterthe transmission and/or receipt of messages in step 1702. At step 1706the waveguide system 1602 (or the sensors 1604 themselves) can determinefrom the sensing data an actual or predicted occurrence of a disturbancein the communication system 1655 that can affect communicationsoriginating from (e.g., transmitted by) or received by the waveguidesystem 1602. The waveguide system 1602 (or the sensors 1604) can processtemperature data, signal reflection data, loss of energy data, noisedata, vibration data, environmental data, or any combination thereof tomake this determination. The waveguide system 1602 (or the sensors 1604)may also detect, identify, estimate, or predict the source of thedisturbance and/or its location in the communication system 1655. If adisturbance is neither detected/identified nor predicted/estimated atstep 1708, the waveguide system 1602 can proceed to step 1702 where itcontinues to transmit and receive messages embedded in, or forming partof, modulated electromagnetic waves traveling along a surface of thepower line 1610.

If at step 1708 a disturbance is detected/identified orpredicted/estimated to occur, the waveguide system 1602 proceeds to step1710 to determine if the disturbance adversely affects (oralternatively, is likely to adversely affect or the extent to which itmay adversely affect) transmission or reception of messages in thecommunication system 1655. In one embodiment, a duration threshold and afrequency of occurrence threshold can be used at step 1710 to determinewhen a disturbance adversely affects communications in the communicationsystem 1655. For illustration purposes only, assume a duration thresholdis set to 500 ms, while a frequency of occurrence threshold is set to 5disturbances occurring in an observation period of 10 sec. Thus, adisturbance having a duration greater than 500 ms will trigger theduration threshold. Additionally, any disturbance occurring more than 5times in a 10 sec time interval will trigger the frequency of occurrencethreshold.

In one embodiment, a disturbance may be considered to adversely affectsignal integrity in the communication systems 1655 when the durationthreshold alone is exceeded. In another embodiment, a disturbance may beconsidered as adversely affecting signal integrity in the communicationsystems 1655 when both the duration threshold and the frequency ofoccurrence threshold are exceeded. The latter embodiment is thus moreconservative than the former embodiment for classifying disturbancesthat adversely affect signal integrity in the communication system 1655.It will be appreciated that many other algorithms and associatedparameters and thresholds can be utilized for step 1710 in accordancewith example embodiments.

Referring back to method 1700, if at step 1710 the disturbance detectedat step 1708 does not meet the condition for adversely affectedcommunications (e.g., neither exceeds the duration threshold nor thefrequency of occurrence threshold), the waveguide system 1602 mayproceed to step 1702 and continue processing messages. For instance, ifthe disturbance detected in step 1708 has a duration of 1 msec with asingle occurrence in a 10 sec time period, then neither threshold willbe exceeded. Consequently, such a disturbance may be considered ashaving a nominal effect on signal integrity in the communication system1655 and thus would not be flagged as a disturbance requiringmitigation. Although not flagged, the occurrence of the disturbance, itstime of occurrence, its frequency of occurrence, spectral data, and/orother useful information, may be reported to the network managementsystem 1601 as telemetry data for monitoring purposes.

Referring back to step 1710, if on the other hand the disturbancesatisfies the condition for adversely affected communications (e.g.,exceeds either or both thresholds), the waveguide system 1602 canproceed to step 1712 and report the incident to the network managementsystem 1601. The report can include raw sensing data collected by thesensors 1604, a description of the disturbance if known by the waveguidesystem 1602, a time of occurrence of the disturbance, a frequency ofoccurrence of the disturbance, a location associated with thedisturbance, parameters readings such as bit error rate, packet lossrate, retransmission requests, jitter, latency and so on. If thedisturbance is based on a prediction by one or more sensors of thewaveguide system 1602, the report can include a type of disturbanceexpected, and if predictable, an expected time occurrence of thedisturbance, and an expected frequency of occurrence of the predicteddisturbance when the prediction is based on historical sensing datacollected by the sensors 1604 of the waveguide system 1602.

At step 1714, the network management system 1601 can determine amitigation, circumvention, or correction technique, which may includedirecting the waveguide system 1602 to reroute traffic to circumvent thedisturbance if the location of the disturbance can be determined. In oneembodiment, the waveguide coupling device 1402 detecting the disturbancemay direct a repeater such as the one shown in FIGS. 13-14 to connectthe waveguide system 1602 from a primary power line affected by thedisturbance to a secondary power line to enable the waveguide system1602 to reroute traffic to a different transmission medium and avoid thedisturbance. In an embodiment where the waveguide system 1602 isconfigured as a repeater the waveguide system 1602 can itself performthe rerouting of traffic from the primary power line to the secondarypower line. It is further noted that for bidirectional communications(e.g., full or half-duplex communications), the repeater can beconfigured to reroute traffic from the secondary power line back to theprimary power line for processing by the waveguide system 1602.

In another embodiment, the waveguide system 1602 can redirect traffic byinstructing a first repeater situated upstream of the disturbance and asecond repeater situated downstream of the disturbance to redirecttraffic from a primary power line temporarily to a secondary power lineand back to the primary power line in a manner that avoids thedisturbance. It is further noted that for bidirectional communications(e.g., full or half-duplex communications), repeaters can be configuredto reroute traffic from the secondary power line back to the primarypower line.

To avoid interrupting existing communication sessions occurring on asecondary power line, the network management system 1601 may direct thewaveguide system 1602 to instruct repeater(s) to utilize unused timeslot(s) and/or frequency band(s) of the secondary power line forredirecting data and/or voice traffic away from the primary power lineto circumvent the disturbance.

At step 1716, while traffic is being rerouted to avoid the disturbance,the network management system 1601 can notify equipment of the utilitycompany 1652 and/or equipment of the communications service provider1654, which in turn may notify personnel of the utility company 1656and/or personnel of the communications service provider 1658 of thedetected disturbance and its location if known. Field personnel fromeither party can attend to resolving the disturbance at a determinedlocation of the disturbance. Once the disturbance is removed orotherwise mitigated by personnel of the utility company and/or personnelof the communications service provider, such personnel can notify theirrespective companies and/or the network management system 1601 utilizingfield equipment (e.g., a laptop computer, smartphone, etc.)communicatively coupled to network management system 1601, and/orequipment of the utility company and/or the communications serviceprovider. The notification can include a description of how thedisturbance was mitigated and any changes to the power lines 1610 thatmay change a topology of the communication system 1655.

Once the disturbance has been resolved (as determined in decision 1718),the network management system 1601 can direct the waveguide system 1602at step 1720 to restore the previous routing configuration used by thewaveguide system 1602 or route traffic according to a new routingconfiguration if the restoration strategy used to mitigate thedisturbance resulted in a new network topology of the communicationsystem 1655. In another embodiment, the waveguide system 1602 can beconfigured to monitor mitigation of the disturbance by transmitting testsignals on the power line 1610 to determine when the disturbance hasbeen removed. Once the waveguide system 1602 detects an absence of thedisturbance it can autonomously restore its routing configurationwithout assistance by the network management system 1601 if itdetermines the network topology of the communication system 1655 has notchanged, or it can utilize a new routing configuration that adapts to adetected new network topology.

FIG. 17B illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limitingembodiment of a method 1750 for detecting and mitigating disturbancesoccurring in a communication network of the system of FIGS. 16A and 16B.In one embodiment, method 1750 can begin with step 1752 where a networkmanagement system 1601 receives from equipment of the utility company1652 or equipment of the communications service provider 1654maintenance information associated with a maintenance schedule. Thenetwork management system 1601 can at step 1754 identify from themaintenance information, maintenance activities to be performed duringthe maintenance schedule. From these activities, the network managementsystem 1601 can detect a disturbance resulting from the maintenance(e.g., scheduled replacement of a power line 1610, scheduled replacementof a waveguide system 1602 on the power line 1610, scheduledreconfiguration of power lines 1610 in the power grid 1653, etc.).

In another embodiment, the network management system 1601 can receive atstep 1755 telemetry information from one or more waveguide systems 1602.The telemetry information can include among other things an identity ofeach waveguide system 1602 submitting the telemetry information,measurements taken by sensors 1604 of each waveguide system 1602,information relating to predicted, estimated, or actual disturbancesdetected by the sensors 1604 of each waveguide system 1602, locationinformation associated with each waveguide system 1602, an estimatedlocation of a detected disturbance, an identification of thedisturbance, and so on. The network management system 1601 can determinefrom the telemetry information a type of disturbance that may be adverseto operations of the waveguide, transmission of the electromagneticwaves along the wire surface, or both. The network management system1601 can also use telemetry information from multiple waveguide systems1602 to isolate and identify the disturbance. Additionally, the networkmanagement system 1601 can request telemetry information from waveguidesystems 1602 in a vicinity of an affected waveguide system 1602 totriangulate a location of the disturbance and/or validate anidentification of the disturbance by receiving similar telemetryinformation from other waveguide systems 1602.

In yet another embodiment, the network management system 1601 canreceive at step 1756 an unscheduled activity report from maintenancefield personnel. Unscheduled maintenance may occur as result of fieldcalls that are unplanned or as a result of unexpected field issuesdiscovered during field calls or scheduled maintenance activities. Theactivity report can identify changes to a topology configuration of thepower grid 1653 resulting from field personnel addressing discoveredissues in the communication system 1655 and/or power grid 1653, changesto one or more waveguide systems 1602 (such as replacement or repairthereof), mitigation of disturbances performed if any, and so on.

At step 1758, the network management system 1601 can determine fromreports received according to steps 1752 through 1756 if a disturbancewill occur based on a maintenance schedule, or if a disturbance hasoccurred or is predicted to occur based on telemetry data, or if adisturbance has occurred due to an unplanned maintenance identified in afield activity report. From any of these reports, the network managementsystem 1601 can determine whether a detected or predicted disturbancerequires rerouting of traffic by the affected waveguide systems 1602 orother waveguide systems 1602 of the communication system 1655.

When a disturbance is detected or predicted at step 1758, the networkmanagement system 1601 can proceed to step 1760 where it can direct oneor more waveguide systems 1602 to reroute traffic to circumvent thedisturbance. When the disturbance is permanent due to a permanenttopology change of the power grid 1653, the network management system1601 can proceed to step 1770 and skip steps 1762, 1764, 1766, and 1772.At step 1770, the network management system 1601 can direct one or morewaveguide systems 1602 to use a new routing configuration that adapts tothe new topology. However, when the disturbance has been detected fromtelemetry information supplied by one or more waveguide systems 1602,the network management system 1601 can notify maintenance personnel ofthe utility company 1656 or the communications service provider 1658 ofa location of the disturbance, a type of disturbance if known, andrelated information that may be helpful to such personnel to mitigatethe disturbance. When a disturbance is expected due to maintenanceactivities, the network management system 1601 can direct one or morewaveguide systems 1602 to reconfigure traffic routes at a given schedule(consistent with the maintenance schedule) to avoid disturbances causedby the maintenance activities during the maintenance schedule.

Returning back to step 1760 and upon its completion, the process cancontinue with step 1762. At step 1762, the network management system1601 can monitor when the disturbance(s) have been mitigated by fieldpersonnel. Mitigation of a disturbance can be detected at step 1762 byanalyzing field reports submitted to the network management system 1601by field personnel over a communications network (e.g., cellularcommunication system) utilizing field equipment (e.g., a laptop computeror handheld computer/device). If field personnel have reported that adisturbance has been mitigated, the network management system 1601 canproceed to step 1764 to determine from the field report whether atopology change was required to mitigate the disturbance. A topologychange can include rerouting a power line 1610, reconfiguring awaveguide system 1602 to utilize a different power line 1610, otherwiseutilizing an alternative link to bypass the disturbance and so on. If atopology change has taken place, the network management system 1601 candirect at step 1770 one or more waveguide systems 1602 to use a newrouting configuration that adapts to the new topology.

If, however, a topology change has not been reported by field personnel,the network management system 1601 can proceed to step 1766 where it candirect one or more waveguide systems 1602 to send test signals to test arouting configuration that had been used prior to the detecteddisturbance(s). Test signals can be sent to affected waveguide systems1602 in a vicinity of the disturbance. The test signals can be used todetermine if signal disturbances (e.g., electromagnetic wavereflections) are detected by any of the waveguide systems 1602. If thetest signals confirm that a prior routing configuration is no longersubject to previously detected disturbance(s), then the networkmanagement system 1601 can at step 1772 direct the affected waveguidesystems 1602 to restore a previous routing configuration. If, however,test signals analyzed by one or more waveguide coupling device 1402 andreported to the network management system 1601 indicate that thedisturbance(s) or new disturbance(s) are present, then the networkmanagement system 1601 will proceed to step 1768 and report thisinformation to field personnel to further address field issues. Thenetwork management system 1601 can in this situation continue to monitormitigation of the disturbance(s) at step 1762.

In the aforementioned embodiments, the waveguide systems 1602 can beconfigured to be self-adapting to changes in the power grid 1653 and/orto mitigation of disturbances. That is, one or more affected waveguidesystems 1602 can be configured to self-monitor mitigation ofdisturbances and reconfigure traffic routes without requiringinstructions to be sent to them by the network management system 1601.In this embodiment, the one or more waveguide systems 1602 that areself-configurable can inform the network management system 1601 of itsrouting choices so that the network management system 1601 can maintaina macro-level view of the communication topology of the communicationsystem 1655.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIGS. 17A and17B, respectively, it is to be understood and appreciated that theclaimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, assome blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with otherblocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not allillustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods describedherein.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, 18F and 18G are block diagramsillustrating example, non-limiting embodiments of a waveguide device fortransmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. In one or more embodiments, thewaveguide device can be separable or otherwise configured to facilitatea physical connection with a transmission medium, such as a power line.As an example, the waveguide device can be selectively separable intoportions (of the same or different sizes) so that the portions (anynumber of) can be joined or moved back together and clamped onto orotherwise physically connected with the transmission medium. Variouscomponents and/or techniques can be utilized for separating andrejoining portions of the waveguide device such as hinges, latchingmechanisms, and so forth. The method of opening, closing or actuatingthe latching mechanism can vary including via a magnetic field, aservo-motor, a pushrod, and so forth. In one or more embodiments, thewaveguide device can be self-closing, such as automatically actuating alatching mechanism of the waveguide device to physically connect withthe transmission medium when in proximity to the transmission medium. Inone or more embodiments, the latching mechanism can open or closeresponsive to a latching signal generated by the waveguide system orgenerated by another device, such as an unmanned aircraft utilized todeliver the waveguide device as described herein. In one or moreembodiments, a hydraulic actuator can be utilized for opening andclosing of the latching mechanism. In another embodiment, a biasingmechanism can be biased towards a closed position to close the latchingmechanism, such as a spring-loaded latch.

In an embodiment, FIG. 18A illustrates a front view of a waveguidedevice 1865 having a plurality of slots 1863 (e.g., openings orapertures) for emitting electromagnetic waves having radiated electricfields (e-fields) 1861. In an embodiment, the radiated e-fields 1861 ofpairs of symmetrically positioned slots 1863 (e.g., north and southslots of the waveguide 1865) can be directed away from each other (i.e.,polar opposite radial orientations about the cable 1862). While theslots 1863 are shown as having a rectangular shape, other shapes such asother polygons, sector and arc shapes, ellipsoid shapes and other shapesare likewise possible. For illustration purposes only, the term northwill refer to a relative direction as shown in the figures. Allreferences in the subject disclosure to other directions (e.g., south,east, west, northwest, and so forth) will be relative to a northernillustration. In an embodiment, to achieve e-fields with opposingorientations at the north and south slots 1863, for example, the northand south slots 1863 can be arranged to have a circumferential distancebetween each other that is approximately one wavelength ofelectromagnetic waves signals supplied to these slots. The waveguide1865 can have a cylindrical cavity in a center of the waveguide 1865 toenable placement of a cable 1862. In one embodiment, the cable 1862 cancomprise an insulated conductor. In another embodiment, the cable 1862can comprise an uninsulated conductor. In yet other embodiments, thecable 1862 can comprise any of the embodiments of a transmission core1852 of cable 1850 previously described.

In one embodiment, the cable 1862 can slide into the cylindrical cavityof the waveguide 1865. In another embodiment, the waveguide 1865 canutilize an assembly mechanism (not shown). The assembly mechanism (e.g.,a hinge or other suitable mechanisms that provide a way to open thewaveguide 1865 at one or more locations) can be used to enable placementof the waveguide 1865 on an outer surface of the cable 1862 or otherwiseto assemble separate pieces together to form the waveguide 1865 asshown. According to these and other suitable embodiments, the waveguide1865 can be configured to wrap around the cable 1862 like a collar.

FIG. 18B illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the waveguide 1865.The waveguide 1865 can be adapted to have a hollow rectangular waveguideportion 1867 that receives electromagnetic waves 1866 generated by atransmitter circuit as previously described in the subject disclosure(e.g., see reference 101, 1000 of FIGS. 1 and 10A). The electromagneticwaves 1866 can be distributed by the hollow rectangular waveguideportion 1867 into in a hollow collar 1869 of the waveguide 1865. Therectangular waveguide portion 1867 and the hollow collar 1869 can beconstructed of materials suitable for maintaining the electromagneticwaves within the hollow chambers of these assemblies (e.g., carbon fibermaterials). It should be noted that while the waveguide portion 1867 isshown and described in a hollow rectangular configuration, other shapesand/or other non-hollow configurations can be employed. In particular,the waveguide portion 1867 can have a square or other polygonal crosssection, an arc or sector cross section that is truncated to conform tothe outer surface of the cable 1862, a circular or ellipsoid crosssection or cross sectional shape. In addition, the waveguide portion1867 can be configured as, or otherwise include, a solid dielectricmaterial.

As previously described, the hollow collar 1869 can be configured toemit electromagnetic waves from each slot 1863 with opposite e-fields1861 at pairs of symmetrically positioned slots 1863 and 1863′. In anembodiment, the electromagnetic waves emitted by the combination ofslots 1863 and 1863′ can in turn induce electromagnetic waves 1868 thatare bound to the cable 1862 for propagation according to a fundamentalwave mode without other wave modes present—such as non-fundamental wavemodes. In this configuration, the electromagnetic waves 1868 canpropagate longitudinally along the cable 1862 to other downstreamwaveguide systems coupled to the cable 1862.

It should be noted that since the hollow rectangular waveguide portion1867 of FIG. 18B is closer to slot 1863 (at the northern position of thewaveguide 1865), slot 1863 can emit electromagnetic waves having astronger magnitude than electromagnetic waves emitted by slot 1863′ (atthe southern position). To reduce magnitude differences between theseslots, slot 1863′ can be made larger than slot 1863. The technique ofutilizing different slot sizes to balance signal magnitudes betweenslots can be applied to any of the embodiments of the subject disclosurerelating to FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18D, 18F, 18H and 18I—some of which aredescribed below.

In another embodiment, FIG. 18C depicts a waveguide 1865′ that can beconfigured to utilize circuitry such as monolithic microwave integratedcircuits (MMICs) 1870 each coupled to a signal input 1872 (e.g., coaxialcable that provides a communication signal). The signal input 1872 canbe generated by a transmitter circuit as previously described in thesubject disclosure (e.g., see reference 101, 1000 of FIGS. 1 and 10A)adapted to provide electrical signals to the MMICs 1870. Each MMIC 1870can be configured to receive signal 1872 which the MMIC 1870 canmodulate and transmit with a radiating element (e.g., an antenna) toemit electromagnetic waves having radiated e-fields 1861. In oneembodiment, the MMICs 1870 can be configured to receive the same signal1872, but transmit electromagnetic waves having e-fields 1861 ofopposing orientation. This can be accomplished by configuring one of theMMICs 1870 to transmit electromagnetic waves that are 180 degrees out ofphase with the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the other MMIC 1870.In an embodiment, the combination of the electromagnetic waves emittedby the MMICs 1870 can together induce electromagnetic waves 1868 thatare bound to the cable 1862 for propagation according to a fundamentalwave mode without other wave modes present—such as non-fundamental wavemodes. In this configuration, the electromagnetic waves 1868 canpropagate longitudinally along the cable 1862 to other downstreamwaveguide systems coupled to the cable 1862.

A tapered horn 1880 can be added to the embodiments of FIGS. 18B and 18Cto assist in the inducement of the electromagnetic waves 1868 on cable1862 as depicted in FIGS. 18D and 18E. In an embodiment where the cable1862 is an uninsulated conductor, the electromagnetic waves induced onthe cable 1862 can have a large radial dimension (e.g., 1 meter). Toenable use of a smaller tapered horn 1880, an insulation layer 1879 canbe applied on a portion of the cable 1862 at or near the cavity asdepicted with hash lines in FIGS. 18D and 18E. The insulation layer 1879can have a tapered end facing away from the waveguide 1865. The addedinsulation enables the electromagnetic waves 1868 initially launched bythe waveguide 1865 (or 1865′) to be tightly bound to the insulation,which in turn reduces the radial dimension of the electromagnetic fields1868 (e.g., centimeters). As the electromagnetic waves 1868 propagateaway from the waveguide 1865 (1865′) and reach the tapered end of theinsulation layer 1879, the radial dimension of the electromagnetic waves1868 begin to increase eventually achieving the radial dimension theywould have had had the electromagnetic waves 1868 been induced on theuninsulated conductor without an insulation layer. In the illustrationof FIGS. 18D and 18E the tapered end begins at an end of the taperedhorn 1880. In other embodiments, the tapered end of the insulation layer1879 can begin before or after the end of the tapered horn 1880. Thetapered horn can be metallic or constructed of other conductivematerials or constructed of a plastic or other non-conductive materialsthat are coated or clad with a dielectric layer or doped with aconductive material to provide reflective properties similar to ametallic horn.

In an embodiment, cable 1862 can comprise any of the embodiments ofcable 1850 described earlier. In this embodiment, waveguides 1865 and1865′ can be coupled to a transmission core 1852 of cable 1850 asdepicted in FIGS. 18F and 18G. The waveguides 1865 and 1865′ can induce,as previously described, electromagnetic waves 1868 on the transmissioncore 1852 for propagation entirely or partially within inner layers ofcable 1850.

It is noted that for the foregoing embodiments of FIGS. 18D, 18E, 18Fand 18G, electromagnetic waves 1868 can be bidirectional. For example,electromagnetic waves 1868 of a different operating frequency can bereceived by slots 1863 or MMICs 1870 of the waveguides 1865 and 1865′,respectively. Once received, the electromagnetic waves can be convertedby a receiver circuit (e.g., see reference 101, 1000 of FIGS. 1 and 10A)for generating a communication signal for processing.

Although not shown, it is further noted that the waveguides 1865 and1865′ can be adapted so that the waveguides 1865 and 1865′ can directelectromagnetic waves 1868 upstream or downstream longitudinally. Forexample, a first tapered horn 1880 coupled to a first instance of awaveguide 1865 or 1865′ can be directed westerly on cable 1862, while asecond tapered horn 1880 coupled to a second instance of a waveguide1865 or 1865′ can be directed easterly on cable 1862. The first andsecond instances of the waveguides 1865 or 1865′ can be coupled so thatin a repeater configuration, signals received by the first waveguide1865 or 1865′ can be provided to the second waveguide 1865 or 1865′ forretransmission in an easterly direction on cable 1862. The repeaterconfiguration just described can also be applied from an easterly towesterly direction on cable 1862.

The waveguide 1865 of FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18D and 18F can also be configuredto generate electromagnetic fields having only non-fundamental orasymmetric wave modes. FIG. 18H depicts an embodiment of a waveguide1865 that can be adapted to generate electromagnetic fields having onlynon-fundamental wave modes. A median line 1890 represents a separationbetween slots where electrical currents on a backside (not shown) of afrontal plate of the waveguide 1865 change polarity. For example,electrical currents on the backside of the frontal plate correspondingto e-fields that are radially outward (i.e., point away from a centerpoint of cable 1862) can in some embodiments be associated with slotslocated outside of the median line 1890 (e.g., slots 1863A and 1863B).Electrical currents on the backside of the frontal plate correspondingto e-fields that are radially inward (i.e., point towards a center pointof cable 1862) can in some embodiments be associated with slots locatedinside of the median line 1890. The direction of the currents can dependon the operating frequency of the electromagnetic waves 1866 supplied tothe hollow rectangular waveguide portion 1867 (see FIG. 18B) among otherparameters.

For illustration purposes, assume the electromagnetic waves 1866supplied to the hollow rectangular waveguide portion 1867 have anoperating frequency whereby a circumferential distance between slots1863A and 1863B is one full wavelength of the electromagnetic waves1866. In this instance, the e-fields of the electromagnetic wavesemitted by slots 1863A and 1863B point radially outward (i.e., haveopposing orientations). When the electromagnetic waves emitted by slots1863A and 1863B are combined, the resulting electromagnetic waves oncable 1862 will propagate according to the fundamental wave mode. Incontrast, by repositioning one of the slots (e.g., slot 1863B) insidethe media line 1890 (i.e., slot 1863C), slot 1863C will generateelectromagnetic waves that have e-fields that are approximately 180degrees out of phase with the e-fields of the electromagnetic wavesgenerated by slot 1863A. Consequently, the e-field orientations of theelectromagnetic waves generated by slot pairs 1863A and 1863C will besubstantially aligned. The combination of the electromagnetic wavesemitted by slot pairs 1863A and 1863C will thus generate electromagneticwaves that are bound to the cable 1862 for propagation according to anon-fundamental wave mode.

To achieve a reconfigurable slot arrangement, waveguide 1865 can beadapted according to the embodiments depicted in FIG. 18I. Configuration(A) depicts a waveguide 1865 having a plurality of symmetricallypositioned slots. Each of the slots 1863 of configuration (A) can beselectively disabled by blocking the slot with a material (e.g., carbonfiber or metal) to prevent the emission of electromagnetic waves. Ablocked (or disabled) slot 1863 is shown in black, while an enabled (orunblocked) slot 1863 is shown in white. Although not shown, a blockingmaterial can be placed behind (or in front) of the frontal plate of thewaveguide 1865. A mechanism (not shown) can be coupled to the blockingmaterial so that the blocking material can slide in or out of aparticular slot 1863 much like closing or opening a window with a cover.The mechanism can be coupled to a linear motor controllable by circuitryof the waveguide 1865 to selectively enable or disable individual slots1863. With such a mechanism at each slot 1863, the waveguide 1865 can beconfigured to select different configurations of enabled and disabledslots 1863 as depicted in the embodiments of FIG. 18I. Other methods ortechniques for covering or opening slots (e.g., utilizing rotatabledisks behind or in front of the waveguide 1865) can be applied to theembodiments of the subject disclosure.

In one embodiment, the waveguide system 1865 can be configured to enablecertain slots 1863 outside the median line 1890 and disable certainslots 1863 inside the median line 1890 as shown in configuration (B) togenerate fundamental waves. Assume, for example, that thecircumferential distance between slots 1863 outside the median line 1890(i.e., in the northern and southern locations of the waveguide system1865) is one full wavelength. These slots will therefore have electricfields (e-fields) pointing at certain instances in time radially outwardas previously described. In contrast, the slots inside the median line1890 (i.e., in the western and eastern locations of the waveguide system1865) will have a circumferential distance of one-half a wavelengthrelative to either of the slots 1863 outside the median line. Since theslots inside the median line 1890 are half a wavelength apart, suchslots will produce electromagnetic waves having e-fields pointingradially outward. If the western and eastern slots 1863 outside themedian line 1890 had been enabled instead of the western and easternslots inside the median line 1890, then the e-fields emitted by thoseslots would have pointed radially inward, which when combined with theelectric fields of the northern and southern would producenon-fundamental wave mode propagation. Accordingly, configuration (B) asdepicted in FIG. 18I can be used to generate electromagnetic waves atthe northern and southern slots 1863 having e-fields that point radiallyoutward and electromagnetic waves at the western and eastern slots 1863with e-fields that also point radially outward, which when combinedinduce electromagnetic waves on cable 1862 having a fundamental wavemode.

In another embodiment, the waveguide system 1865 can be configured toenable a northerly, southerly, westerly and easterly slots 1863 alloutside the median line 1890, and disable all other slots 1863 as shownin configuration (C). Assuming the circumferential distance between apair of opposing slots (e.g., northerly and southerly, or westerly andeasterly) is a full wavelength apart, then configuration (C) can be usedto generate electromagnetic waves having a non-fundamental wave modewith some e-fields pointing radially outward and other fields pointingradially inward. In yet another embodiment, the waveguide system 1865can be configured to enable a northwesterly slot 1863 outside the medianline 1890, enable a southeasterly slot 1863 inside the median line 1890,and disable all other slots 1863 as shown in configuration (D). Assumingthe circumferential distance between such a pair of slots is a fullwavelength apart, then such a configuration can be used to generateelectromagnetic waves having a non-fundamental wave mode with e-fieldsaligned in a northwesterly direction.

In another embodiment, the waveguide system 1865 can be configured toproduce electromagnetic waves having a non-fundamental wave mode withe-fields aligned in a southwesterly direction. This can be accomplishedby utilizing a different arrangement than used in configuration (D).Configuration (E) can be accomplished by enabling a southwesterly slot1863 outside the median line 1890, enabling a northeasterly slot 1863inside the median line 1890, and disabling all other slots 1863 as shownin configuration (E). Assuming the circumferential distance between sucha pair of slots is a full wavelength apart, then such a configurationcan be used to generate electromagnetic waves having a non-fundamentalwave mode with e-fields aligned in a southwesterly direction.Configuration (E) thus generates a non-fundamental wave mode that isorthogonal to the non-fundamental wave mode of configuration (D).

In yet another embodiment, the waveguide system 1865 can be configuredto generate electromagnetic waves having a fundamental wave mode withe-fields that point radially inward. This can be accomplished byenabling a northerly slot 1863 inside the median line 1890, enabling asoutherly slot 1863 inside the median line 1890, enabling an easterlyslot outside the median 1890, enabling a westerly slot 1863 outside themedian 1890, and disabling all other slots 1863 as shown inconfiguration (F). Assuming the circumferential distance between thenortherly and southerly slots is a full wavelength apart, then such aconfiguration can be used to generate electromagnetic waves having afundamental wave mode with radially inward e-fields. Although the slotsselected in configurations (B) and (F) are different, the fundamentalwave modes generated by configurations (B) and (F) are the same.

It yet another embodiment, e-fields can be manipulated between slots togenerate fundamental or non-fundamental wave modes by varying theoperating frequency of the electromagnetic waves 1866 supplied to thehollow rectangular waveguide portion 1867. For example, assume in theillustration of FIG. 18H that for a particular operating frequency ofthe electromagnetic waves 1866 the circumferential distance between slot1863A and 1863B is one full wavelength of the electromagnetic waves1866. In this instance, the e-fields of electromagnetic waves emitted byslots 1863A and 1863B will point radially outward as shown, and can beused in combination to induce electromagnetic waves on cable 1862 havinga fundamental wave mode. In contrast, the e-fields of electromagneticwaves emitted by slots 1863A and 1863C will be radially aligned (i.e.,pointing northerly) as shown, and can be used in combination to induceelectromagnetic waves on cable 1862 having a non-fundamental wave mode.

Now suppose that the operating frequency of the electromagnetic waves1866 supplied to the hollow rectangular waveguide portion 1867 ischanged so that the circumferential distance between slot 1863A and1863B is one-half a wavelength of the electromagnetic waves 1866. Inthis instance, the e-fields of electromagnetic waves emitted by slots1863A and 1863B will be radially aligned (i.e., point in the samedirection). That is, the e-fields of electromagnetic waves emitted byslot 1863B will point in the same direction as the e-fields ofelectromagnetic waves emitted by slot 1863A. Such electromagnetic wavescan be used in combination to induce electromagnetic waves on cable 1862having a non-fundamental wave mode. In contrast, the e-fields ofelectromagnetic waves emitted by slots 1863A and 1863C will be radiallyoutward (i.e., away from cable 1862), and can be used in combination toinduce electromagnetic waves on cable 1862 having a fundamental wavemode.

In another embodiment, the waveguide 1865′ of FIGS. 18C, 18E and 18G canalso be configured to generate electromagnetic waves having onlynon-fundamental wave modes. This can be accomplished by adding moreMMICs 1870 as depicted in FIG. 18J. Each MMIC 1870 can be configured toreceive the same signal input 1872. However, MMICs 1870 can selectivelybe configured to emit electromagnetic waves having differing phasesusing controllable phase-shifting circuitry in each MMIC 1870. Forexample, the northerly and southerly MMICs 1870 can be configured toemit electromagnetic waves having a 180 degree phase difference, therebyaligning the e-fields either in a northerly or southerly direction. Anycombination of pairs of MMICs 1870 (e.g., westerly and easterly MMICs1870, northwesterly and southeasterly MMICs 1870, northeasterly andsouthwesterly MMICs 1870) can be configured with opposing or alignede-fields. Consequently, waveguide 1865′ can be configured to generateelectromagnetic waves with one or more non-fundamental wave modes,electromagnetic waves with one or more fundamental wave modes, or anycombinations thereof.

It is submitted that it is not necessary to select slots 1863 in pairsto generate electromagnetic waves having a non-fundamental wave mode.For example, electromagnetic waves having a non-fundamental wave modecan be generated by enabling a single slot from the plurality of slotsshown in configuration (A) of FIG. 18I and disabling all other slots.Similarly, a single MMIC 1870 of the MMICs 1870 shown in FIG. 18J can beconfigured to generate electromagnetic waves having a non-fundamentalwave mode while all other MMICs 1870 are not in use or disabled.Likewise other wave modes and wave mode combinations can be induced byenabling other non-null proper subsets of waveguide slots 1863 or theMMICs 1870.

It is further submitted that the e-field arrows shown in FIGS. 18H-18Iare illustrative only and represent a static depiction of e-fields. Inpractice, the electromagnetic waves may have oscillating e-fields, whichat one instance in time point outwardly, and at another instance in timepoint inwardly. For example, in the case of non-fundamental wave modeshaving e-fields that are aligned in one direction (e.g., northerly),such waves may at another instance in time have e-fields that point inan opposite direction (e.g., southerly). Similarly, fundamental wavemodes having e-fields that are radial may at one instance have e-fieldsthat point radially away from the cable 1862 and at another instance intime point radially towards the cable 1862. It is further noted that theembodiments of FIGS. 18H-18J can be adapted to generate electromagneticwaves with one or more non-fundamental wave modes, electromagnetic waveswith one or more fundamental wave modes (e.g., TM00 and HE11 modes), orany combinations thereof. It is further noted that such adaptions can beused in combination with any embodiments described in the subjectdisclosure. It is also noted that the embodiments of FIGS. 18H-18J canbe combined (e.g., slots used in combination with MMICs).

It is further noted that in some embodiments, the waveguide systems 1865and 1865′ of FIGS. 18A-18J may generate combinations of fundamental andnon-fundamental wave modes where one wave mode is dominant over theother. For example, in one embodiment electromagnetic waves generated bythe waveguide systems 1865 and 1865′ of FIGS. 18A-18J may have a weaksignal component that has a non-fundamental wave mode, and asubstantially strong signal component that has a fundamental wave mode.Accordingly, in this embodiment, the electromagnetic waves have asubstantially fundamental wave mode. In another embodimentelectromagnetic waves generated by the waveguide systems 1865 and 1865′of FIGS. 18A-18J may have a weak signal component that has a fundamentalwave mode, and a substantially strong signal component that has anon-fundamental wave mode. Accordingly, in this embodiment, theelectromagnetic waves have a substantially non-fundamental wave mode.Further, a non-dominant wave mode may be generated that propagates onlytrivial distances along the length of the transmission medium.

It is also noted that the waveguide systems 1865 and 1865′ of FIGS.18A-18J can be configured to generate instances of electromagnetic wavesthat have wave modes that can differ from a resulting wave mode or modesof the combined electromagnetic wave. It is further noted that each MMIC1870 of the waveguide system 1865′ of FIG. 18J can be configured togenerate an instance of electromagnetic waves having wavecharacteristics that differ from the wave characteristics of anotherinstance of electromagnetic waves generated by another MMIC 1870. OneMMIC 1870, for example, can generate an instance of an electromagneticwave having a spatial orientation and a phase, frequency, magnitude,electric field orientation, and/or magnetic field orientation thatdiffers from the spatial orientation and phase, frequency, magnitude,electric field orientation, and/or magnetic field orientation of adifferent instance of another electromagnetic wave generated by anotherMMIC 1870. The waveguide system 1865′ can thus be configured to generateinstances of electromagnetic waves having different wave and spatialcharacteristics, which when combined achieve resulting electromagneticwaves having one or more desirable wave modes.

From these illustrations, it is submitted that the waveguide systems1865 and 1865′ of FIGS. 18A-18J can be adapted to generateelectromagnetic waves with one or more selectable wave modes. In oneembodiment, for example, the waveguide systems 1865 and 1865′ can beadapted to select one or more wave modes and generate electromagneticwaves having a single wave mode or multiple wave modes selected andproduced from a process of combining instances of electromagnetic waveshaving one or more configurable wave and spatial characteristics. In anembodiment, for example, parametric information can be stored in alook-up table. Each entry in the look-up table can represent aselectable wave mode. A selectable wave mode can represent a single wavemode, or a combination of wave modes. The combination of wave modes canhave one or dominant wave modes. The parametric information can provideconfiguration information for generating instances of electromagneticwaves for producing resultant electromagnetic waves that have thedesired wave mode.

For example, once a wave mode or modes is selected, the parametricinformation obtained from the look-up table from the entry associatedwith the selected wave mode(s) can be used to identify which of one ormore MMICs 1870 to utilize, and/or their corresponding configurations toachieve electromagnetic waves having the desired wave mode(s). Theparametric information may identify the selection of the one or moreMMICs 1870 based on the spatial orientations of the MMICs 1870, whichmay be required for producing electromagnetic waves with the desiredwave mode. The parametric information can also provide information toconfigure each of the one or more MMICs 1870 with a particular phase,frequency, magnitude, electric field orientation, and/or magnetic fieldorientation which may or may not be the same for each of the selectedMMICs 1870. A look-up table with selectable wave modes and correspondingparametric information can be adapted for configuring the slottedwaveguide system 1865.

In some embodiments, a guided electromagnetic wave can be considered tohave a desired wave mode if the corresponding wave mode propagatesnon-trivial distances on a transmission medium and has a field strengththat is substantially greater in magnitude (e.g., 20 dB higher inmagnitude) than other wave modes that may or may not be desirable. Sucha desired wave mode or modes can be referred to as dominant wave mode(s)with the other wave modes being referred to as non-dominant wave modes.In a similar fashion, a guided electromagnetic wave that is said to besubstantially without the fundamental wave mode has either nofundamental wave mode or a non-dominant fundamental wave mode. A guidedelectromagnetic wave that is said to be substantially without anon-fundamental wave mode has either no non-fundamental wave mode(s) oronly non-dominant non-fundamental wave mode(s). In some embodiments, aguided electromagnetic wave that is said to have only a single wave modeor a selected wave mode may have only one corresponding dominant wavemode.

It is further noted that the embodiments of FIGS. 18H-18J can be appliedto other embodiments of the subject disclosure. For example, theembodiments of FIGS. 18H-18J can be used as alternate embodiments to theembodiments depicted in FIGS. 18A-18G or can be combined with theembodiments depicted in FIGS. 18A-18G.

Referring to FIG. 19A, a system 1900 is illustrated in which an UnmannedAircraft System (UAS) includes an unmanned aircraft 1910 and a controldevice 1920, which is depicted as a handheld remote controller, but canbe any type of a control device including one that is located within acentralized control room, a mobile control system (e.g., located in avehicle such as a van), or other control systems. The control device1920 can provide control signals to the unmanned aircraft 1910 thatenable the unmanned aircraft to fly in proximity to a transmissionmedium or wire 1930, such as one connected to a support structure (e.g.,a pole). The wire can be any type of transmission medium, such as apower wire suspended between poles or other types of suspended lines orcables or other types of transmission mediums, including a transmissionmedium connected between two communication devices. The unmannedaircraft 1910 has the ability to fly with sufficient stability toposition objects at desired locations, such as at a target positionalong the wire 1930. The use of the unmanned aircraft 1910 enablesdelivery of objects to particular locations without requiring buckettrucks or other provider equipment that is often required for reachingdifficult areas. The unmanned aircraft 1910 has the ability to ascendand descend into these difficult-to-reach areas while carrying anobject.

Unmanned aircraft 1910 can include a carrying system 1915 that enablescarrying of objects, such as a communication device 1950. Examplesdescribed herein are done so with respect to a communication device 1950that can be a waveguide device, however, the object to be deployedand/or retrieved can be any type of device, including a fuse, antenna,and so forth. The carrying system 1915 can be of various types and canoperate utilizing various techniques that enable securing the object,carrying the object while in flight, and releasing the object. As anexample, the carrying system 1915 can be a group of arms or clampingmembers that are movable to clamp around or otherwise carry the objectand then can release the object when desired. Other carrying systems1915 can include a carrying cable that removably attaches to the objectso the unmanned aircraft 1910 can carry the object during flight andthen release the object.

In one or more embodiments, the carrying system 1915 can utilizecompressive force and/or magnetic force to hold the communication device1950. In one or more embodiments, the carrying system 1915 can be madeof material that facilitates holding objects, such as grips and soforth. In one or more embodiments, the carrying system 1915 can includelocking member(s) that lock or otherwise securely engage withcorresponding member(s) of the communication device 1950. The lockingmember(s) can be released via actuation (e.g., by the unmanned aircraft1910 and/or the communication device 1950), or can be released based ona particular movement of the carrying system 1915 with respect to thecommunication device.

The carrying system 1915 of the unmanned aircraft 1910 can be controlledby various devices or combinations of devices, such as the remotecontrol device 1920, the communication device 1950, and/or anotherdevice. In one embodiment, the remote control device 1920 can provide acontrol signal to the unmanned aircraft 1910 to open, close or otherwiseactuate the carrying system 1915. In another embodiment, a controlsignal for opening or closing the carrying system 1915 can be generatedwithout user input, such as responsive to an automatic detection thatthe communication device 1950 has been physically connected with thewire 1930. For instance, closing of a latching mechanism on thecommunication device 1950 that secures the communication device to thewire 1930 can be detected by a sensor on the communication device andcan trigger a control signal that is transmitted to the unmannedaircraft 1910 to cause the carrying system 1915 to release thecommunication device. In one embodiment, the actuation of the carryingsystem 1915 to open it can be based on a first signal generated bydetection of closing of the latching mechanism on the communicationdevice 1950 (e.g., via a sensor on the latching mechanism) and a secondsignal generated via user input at the remote device 1920 which approvesthe opening of the carrying system 1915.

In one embodiment, the unmanned aircraft 1910 can include a video camerathat captures video images and transmits the video images to a displaydevice (e.g., integrated with the control device 1920) to facilitate theflying of the unmanned aircraft and the positioning of the communicationdevice 1950 in proximity to the wire 1930. Other sensing devices can beintegrated with the unmanned aircraft 1920 (with or without the videocamera) and can be utilized to facilitate the positioning of thecommunication device 1950 in proximity to the transmission medium 1930,such as a distance detector, accelerometer, gyroscope, and so forth. Inone embodiment, the operator can see in the captured images that thecommunication device 1950 has been securely connected to the wire 1930and can transmit a control signal to the carrying system 1915 to releasethe communication device.

Referring additionally to FIG. 19B, the communication device 1950 (orother objects) can be physically connected to the wire 1930 when thecommunication device is positioned in proximity to the wire by theunmanned aircraft 1910. In one or more embodiments, the communicationdevice 1950 can include a latching mechanism that enables or otherwisefacilitates the physical connection between the communication device andthe wire 1930. In one or more embodiments, the communication device 1950can be a waveguide system as described herein. For example, thewaveguide system 1950 can, when physically connected on the wire 1930,provide communication by electromagnetic waves. For instance, at aphysical interface of the wire 1930, the electromagnetic waves canpropagate without utilizing an electrical return path, theelectromagnetic waves can be guided by the wire, and/or theelectromagnetic waves can have a non-optical frequency range.

FIGS. 19A & 19B illustrate deployment and installation of thecommunication device 1950 by way of physical connection with the wire1930. The unmanned aircraft 1910 can also be utilized for uninstallingand retrieving objects, such as the communication device 1950. Forinstance, the unmanned aircraft 1910 can fly in proximity to acommunication device 1950 (or other object) that is physically connectedto the wire 1930. The carrying system 1915 can be actuated so that thecommunication device 1950 is secured by the unmanned aircraft forflight. The latching mechanism of the communication device 1950 can beactuated resulting in releasing the physical connection between thecommunication device and the wire 1930. The unmanned aircraft 1910 canthen carry the communication device 1950 back to a desired location forrepair or other actions. The uninstalling and retrieving of objects orcommunication devices is not limited to ones that are physicallyconnected with the transmission medium or wire 1930 but can be used atother locations.

In one or more embodiments, the communication device 1950 (e.g., thewaveguide system), when physically connected on the wire 1930, canreceive power from the wire via an inductive coupling with the wire. Thepower obtained via the inductive coupling can be a sole source of powerfor the communication device 1950 or can be used in conjunction withanother power source, such as a battery.

As an example in FIGS. 20A and B, block diagrams are illustrated ofexample, non-limiting embodiments of slotted waveguide systems 2050 and2051 in accordance with various aspects described herein that can becarried by the unmanned aircraft 1910 and physically connected with thewire 1930. In FIG. 20A, the configuration of the waveguide system 2050enables the waveguide to be positioned with respect to the wire 1930,such that the wire fits within or near a slot formed in the waveguidethat runs longitudinally with respect to the wire. The slot surfaces ofthe waveguide 2050 can be non-parallel. For example, slot surfaces 2010a and 2010 b can be non-parallel and aim outwardly, wider than the widthof the wire 1930. Any range of angles of the non-parallel slot surfacescan be utilized to facilitate passing the wire into the slot. A latchingmechanism 2011 can be utilized that enables closing or clamping thewaveguide 2050 with respect to the wire 1930 to physically connect thewaveguide to the wire. The latching mechanism 2011 can be of varioustypes and can utilize various techniques to enable the waveguide 2050 tobe physically connected with the wire 1930.

In one or more embodiments, the latching mechanism 2011 can be separableor otherwise configured to facilitate the physical connection with thewire 1930. As an example, the latching mechanism 2011 can be selectivelyseparated and moved back together so as to clamp onto or otherwisephysically connect with the wire 1930. The method of opening, closing oractuating the latching mechanism 2011 can vary including via a magneticfield, a servo-motor, a pushrod, and so forth. In one embodiment, themagnetic field can be reversible so as to be able to open or close thelatching mechanism 2011. In one or more embodiments, the waveguide 2050can be self-closing, such as automatically actuating the latchingmechanism 2011 of the waveguide to physically connect with the wire 1930when in proximity to the wire.

In one or more embodiments, the latching mechanism 2011 can open orclose responsive to a latching signal generated by the waveguide 2050,generated by a remote control device (e.g., control device 1920) and/orgenerated by another device, such as the unmanned aircraft 1910 utilizedto deliver the waveguide as described herein. In one or moreembodiments, the latching signal can cause generation of a magneticfield having a polarity that causes the latching mechanism 2011 to openor close depending on the magnetic field polarity. In this example, thelatching mechanism 2011 can include various movable components that willmove when positioned within the generated magnetic field.

In one or more embodiments, the unmanned aircraft 1910 can include anengagement member(s) that can engage with or otherwise physicallyactuate a movable component of the latching mechanism. For example,illustrated in FIG. 20A is a pair of push rods 2012 which are shown whenthe latching mechanism 2011 is in a closed positioned. The push rods2012 can be contacted with (e.g., by engagement members 2013 of theunmanned aircraft 1910) and pushed so that the push rods (which in thisexample are pivotally connected with the waveguide 2050) force thelatching mechanism 2011 closed. In one embodiment, the engagementsmembers 2013 can be moveable (e.g., sliding towards the push rods 2012)by the unmanned aircraft 1910 in order to apply a force on the latchingmechanism 2011 to open or close the latching mechanism. The particularconfiguration of the push rods 2012 and/or engagement members 2013 canvary, and FIG. 20A represents a schematic diagram of one such example.In one embodiment, the latching signal can cause the engagement members2013 to engage with the latching mechanism 2011 resulting in thelatching mechanism opening or closing.

In FIG. 20B, the waveguide system 2051 shows the wire 1930 that fitswithin a slot formed in the waveguide. The slot surfaces 2018 a and 2018b in this exemplary embodiment can be parallel, but the axis 2026 of thewire 1930 is not aligned with the axis 2024 of the waveguide 2051. Thewaveguide 2051 and the wire 1930 are therefore not coaxially aligned. Inanother embodiment, a possible position of the wire at 2022 also has anaxis 2028 that is not aligned with the axis 2024 of the waveguide 2051.

A latching mechanism 2021 or 2031 can be utilized that enables closingor clamping the waveguide 2051 with respect to the wire 1930 tophysically connect the waveguide to the wire. The latching mechanism2021 or 2031 can be of various types and can utilize various techniquesto enable the waveguide 2051 to be physically connected with the wire1930. As described herein, the latching mechanism 2021 or 2031 can beseparated and moved together to clamp onto or otherwise physicallyconnect with the wire 1930. The opening or closing of the latchingmechanism 2021 or 2031 can be performed in various ways including via amagnetic field, a servo-motor, a pushrod, and so forth. In oneembodiment, the magnetic field can be reversible so as to be able toselectively open or close the latching mechanism 2021 or 2031. In one ormore embodiments, the latching mechanism 2021 or 2031 can open or closeresponsive to a latching signal generated by one or more of varioussources such as the waveguide 2051, a remote control device (e.g.,device 1920), the unmanned aircraft 1910, or some other devices.

It is to be appreciated that while different embodiments showingnon-parallel slot surfaces, and coaxially unaligned wires and waveguidewere shown separately in FIGS. 20A and 20B, in various embodiments,diverse combinations of the listed features are possible.

Turning to FIGS. 21A, 21B & 21C, a system 2100 is illustrated in whichthe unmanned aircraft 1910 can fly in proximity to the wire 1930 toenable an object, such as the communication device 1950, to bephysically connected with the wire. In this example, the unmannedaircraft 1910 can be equipped with a carrying system 2115 that includesa carrying cable or tether that removably connects to the communicationdevice 1950. The carrying cable of the carrying system 2115 canfacilitate positioning the communication device 1950 close enough to thewire 1930 to enable the physical connection. The removable connectionbetween the carrying cable and the communication device 1950 can utilizevarious components or techniques such as locking mechanisms, a magneticfield, and so forth. In one embodiment, the carrying cable can beaffixed to the communication device 1950 and the unmanned aircraft 1910can release the carrying cable with the communication device when thecommunication device is physically connected with the wire 1930. In oneembodiment, the carrying cable of the carrying system 2115 can beextendible and/or retractable to further facilitate maneuvering of thecommunication device 1950 into a desired position with respect to thewire 1930.

In one embodiment, the length of the carrying cable of the carryingsystem 2115 can be selected or adjusted based on the particularenvironment. For example, a longer carrying cable of the carrying system2115 can be utilized where there are multiple levels of wires connectedwith a pole and the communication device 1950 is to be physicallyconnected with a wire at a lower level. This can enable the unmannedaircraft 1910 to fly or hover in a safe position away from the structure(e.g., the pole or a wire at an upper level) while the communicationdevice 1950 is moved into proximity to the desired wire 1930. In oneembodiment, the carrying cable of the carrying system 1915 can beretracted during flight so that the communication device 1950 isrelatively close to the unmanned aircraft 1910 to increase stabilityduring flight and then can be extended or otherwise lowered away fromthe unmanned aircraft so that the communication device is relativelyremote from the unmanned aircraft to facilitate connection of thecommunication device with the wire 1930.

In one embodiment, the carrying cable of the carrying system 1915 can beutilized in conjunction with other carrying components of the carryingsystem 1915. For example, the carrying system 1915 can include a groupof arms or other clamping members that are movable to clamp around orotherwise carry the communication device 1950 during flight (e.g., asillustrated in system 1900 of FIGS. 19A & 19B) to provide for increasedstability. Once the destination is reached, such as the unmannedaircraft 1910 hovering above the wire 1930, the unmanned aircraft canactuate the clamping members to release the grip on the communicationdevice 1950. The carrying cable (which may be extendible from theunmanned aircraft 1910) can then be used to lower the communicationdevice 1950 into a desired position in proximity to the wire 1930. Asexplained herein, various devices or a combination of devices can exertcontrol over the carrying system 1915 such as a remote control device(e.g., device 1920 of system 1900), the unmanned aircraft 1910, or someother device.

FIG. 21A illustrates the unmanned aircraft 1910 approaching the wire1930 with the carrying cable of the carrying system 2115 in a fullyextended positioned. FIG. 21B illustrates the unmanned aircraft 1910hovering above the wire 1930 to place the communication device 1950 inclose proximity to the wire 1930. FIG. 21C illustrates the unmannedaircraft 1910 flying away from the wire 1930 after the communicationdevice 1950 has been physically connected with the wire 1930 and afterthe carrying cable of the carrying system 2115 has released thecommunication device.

In one embodiment, the communication device 1950 can be a self-closingdevice that includes a latching mechanism for automatically clampingonto the wire 1930, such as when contact is made between the wire andthe latching mechanism or when a sensor (e.g., of the latchingmechanism) detects that the wire is close enough to enable clamping bythe latching mechanism. In one embodiment, the physical connection ofthe communication device 1950 to the wire 1930 can be performed withoutuser interaction. In one embodiment, the communication device 1950 canbe a waveguide and the latching mechanism can be part of the structureof the waveguide, such as a core that is selectively separable (e.g.,two parts that are connected via a hinge) and can be closed down on thewire 1930.

In one embodiment, the communication device 1950 can be formed from twoor more portions that are moveable together. For example, thecommunication device 1950 can be a waveguide that includes a coreseparated into two (or more) sub-cores connected by way of a hinge, apivotal connection or another connection that enables the sub-cores tobe separated and to be moved together. In one embodiment, the connectioncan be biased, such as by a spring or other biasing mechanism. In oneembodiment, the connection can be biased towards a closed position andcan include a lock/release mechanism that holds the connection in anopen position (i.e., the sub-cores are separated so that a transmissionmedium (e.g., a wire) can be moved into a center of the core). In thisexample, the lock/release mechanism can be actuated (e.g., by a pushrod) when the wire is positioned in the center of the core and the biascauses the sub-cores to move together resulting in the waveguidephysically connecting with the wire.

In one or more embodiments, the latching mechanism of the communicationdevice 1950 can open or close responsive to a latching signal generatedby a remote control device (e.g., control device 1920 of system 1900)and/or generated by another device, such as the unmanned aircraft 1910.In one or more embodiments, the closing of the latching mechanism cantrigger the opening or actuation of the carrying system 1915 to releasethe communication device 1950. For example, the closing of the latchingmechanism that creates the physical connection between the communicationdevice 1950 and the wire 1930 can be detected by the unmanned aircraft1910 causing the unmanned aircraft to actuate the carrying cable andrelease the communication device. In another embodiment, the unmannedaircraft 1910 can include a video camera (as illustrated in system 1900)which enables the operator of the remote control 1920 to see that thecommunication device 1950 has successfully clamped onto the wire 1930and then the operator can transmit a release signal to the connectionsystem 1915 of the unmanned aircraft 1910 to release the communicationdevice. As described herein, the unmanned aircraft 1910 can also beutilized to uninstall and retrieve equipment of the communicationsystem, such as hovering above the communication device 1950, engagingthe carrying system 1915 with the communication device, triggering thelatching mechanism of the communication device to release the physicalconnection with the wire 1930, and flying back to a desired locationcarrying the communication device.

Turning now to FIG. 22, a flow diagram of an example, non-limitingembodiment of a method 2200, is shown. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features presented inconjunction with FIGS. 1-21C and is described with respect to deliveringa communication device, such as a waveguide as described in system 1900of FIGS. 19A & 19B. However, method 2200 can be utilized for deploying,installing, uninstalling, and/or retrieving various objects, includingvarious types of communication devices including other service providerequipment such as fuses, dielectric antennas, and so forth. Method 2200enables rapid and efficient management of provider equipment, particularin more difficult to reach areas, such as along suspended wires. In oneor more embodiments, various pre-flight checks or procedures can beperformed for the unmanned aircraft 1910 including checking metricsassociated with safe flight conditions (e.g., payload characteristics,weather conditions, confirming operability of sensors, and so forth).

At 2202, the unmanned aircraft 1910 can fly to a desired location (e.g.,wire 1930 suspended between poles) while carrying the waveguide. Theunmanned aircraft 1910 can be under the control of an operator such asvia a remote control device (e.g., device 1920). The unmanned aircraft1910 can be launched from various locations, including from a vehiclethat drives into the vicinity of the particular location. In oneembodiment, the vehicle can carry multiple waveguides so that theunmanned aircraft can deploy them at various positions along differentwires 1930.

At 2204 and 2206, a physical connection can be established between thewaveguide and the wire 1930. As described herein, various components andtechniques can be utilized for initiating, controlling and/orimplementing the physical connection, such as via an automaticallyself-closing waveguide that is triggered upon contact with the wire1930, a latching mechanism of the waveguide that is triggered by theunmanned aircraft 1910, a magnetic field that can close the latchingmechanism, a servo-motor that causes moveable component(s) to clamp ontothe wire, a video camera that enables an operator to visualize inreal-time the latching mechanism (e.g., via a display device) andactuate the latching mechanism, and so forth.

At 2208, once it is confirmed that a physical connection has beenestablished, the waveguide can be released from the carrying system 1915of the unmanned aircraft 1910. For example, a release signal can begenerated that causes the carrying system 1915 to release the waveguide.The carrying system 1915 can function utilizing various components andtechniques such as movable clamping arms, magnetic components, and soforth. The release signal can be generated by various sources, such asthe remote control device 1920, the unmanned aircraft 1910, and/or thewaveguide, and can be generated with or without user interaction.

In one or more embodiments, the unmanned aircraft 1910 can be utilizedto deploy different types of equipment. For example, the unmannedaircraft 1910 can fly to a location and facilitate connection of awaveguide that is physically connected with a power line and can alsofly to the same location and facilitate connection of other equipment(e.g., a dielectric antenna, another transmission medium connectedbetween the waveguide and the dielectric antenna, and so forth) that isconnected to the power line or to other structure at the location, suchas to a support structure such as a pole. In this example, the carryingsystem 1915 of the unmanned aircraft 1910 can be adjustable to carrythese different devices which may have different sizes, shapes, and/orweights, such as utilizing a group of arms or clamping members that aremovable to clamp around the different devices.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 22, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring to FIG. 23A, a schematic diagram of portion of a communicationdevice 2300 is illustrated where the communication device allows for aconnection (e.g., removable connection) with the transmission medium1930 and allows for obtaining power, via inductive coupling, from thetransmission medium. The portion of the communication device 2300 beingshown includes components that facilitate the physical connection andinductive coupling with the transmission medium, but various othercomponents that facilitate other functions such as transmitting and/orreceiving communications can be included in the communication device.The transmission medium 1930 can be of various types, includinginsulated or non-insulated power lines.

Communication device 2300 is illustrated with a core 2310 in an openedposition, which provides access to an opening 2315 through the core. Theopening 2315 can be concentrically aligned with the core or can benon-concentrically aligned with the core (i.e., offset from the centerof the core). The opening 2315 can be circular or can be other shapesincluding a polygon as described herein. The size and/or shape of theopening 2315 can be selected based on various factors, including thesize and/or shape of the transmission medium, the connection techniquebeing utilized for the transmission medium, and so forth. In one or moreembodiments, the diameter of the opening 2315 of the core 2310 can bethe same or substantially the same as the outer diameter of thetransmission medium 1930 to provide a close fitting of the transmissionmedium within the opening. In another embodiment, an inner surface 2317of the core 2310 can include a foam or other materials. In oneembodiment, the foam or other materials can be selected (e.g., type ofmaterial, height, density, and so forth) so as to enable electromagneticwaves as described herein to pass through the foam or other materials(e.g., guided by the transmission medium 1930).

In this example, core 2310 is composed of two core portions or sub-cores2310A and 2310B, although any number of core portions can be utilized.The core portions 2310A and 2310B can be moveable with respect to eachother utilizing a connection mechanism 2320. For instance, theconnection mechanism 2320 can be a pivot or hinge that facilitatesmovement of one of the core portions with respect to the other of thecore portions. In one embodiment, the connection mechanism 2320 caninclude a biasing mechanism 2325 (e.g., a coil spring). As an example,the connection mechanism 2320 can be movable (e.g., rotated) such that afirst movement to a first position (illustrated in FIG. 23A) causes thecore portions 2310A and 2310B to separate to provide access to theopening 2315. As illustrated in FIG. 23B, a second movement of theconnection mechanism 2320 to a second position causes the core portions2310A and 2310B to come together so as to circumscribe or otherwisesurround the transmission medium 1930 that is positioned through theopening 2315 of the core 2310. In one embodiment, the connectionmechanism 2320 can include a locking mechanism 2330, where a hinge isbiased towards the second closed position, where the locking mechanismselectively locks the hinge in the first opened position, and whereunlocking the locking mechanism causes the connection mechanism to closethereby closing the core 2310 around (or circumscribing) thetransmission medium 1930.

In one or more embodiments, the communication device 2300 can include ahousing 2340 for supporting the core 2310 and/or other components of thecommunication device 2300. For example, the housing 2340 can includehousing portions 2340A and 2340B. In one embodiment, the core portions2310A and 2310B can be physically connected with the housing portions2340A and 2340B, respectively, where the connection mechanism 2320 isphysically connected with the housing 2340 to enable the housingportions to be selectively separated and joined together (e.g., via apivoting or rotating motion).

In one or more embodiments, not illustrated, the closing of housing2310A and 2310B may be facilitated by a hinged bridging mechanism thatinitially holds the two housings apart, but collapses or folds up whenthe housing assembly is placed on the wire 1930. The weight of thehousings collapses the hinged bridging mechanism. In its collapsingstate the hinged bridging mechanism can then no longer resist theclosing force of coil spring 2325 and the two housings 2310A &B proceedto close around the cable 1930. An air or fluid dampening mechanism maybe employed in the hinging mechanism to slow the rate of housingclosure.

In one or more embodiments, one or both of the core portions 2310A and2310B can include a compressible material 2350 that becomes compressedwhen the connection mechanism 2320 is in the second closed position andthe core portions are brought together. As an example, the compressiblematerial 2350 can be of a type that increases magnetic fieldconductivity when the core portions 2310A and 2310B are broughttogether.

In one or more embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 23C and 23D, thecommunication device 2300 can include a clamping mechanism 2360 thatfacilitates self-alignment with the transmission medium 1930. Forexample, the clamping mechanism 2360 can include an inner shape (e.g., apolygon) with a number of flat surfaces that when closed on the circularshape of a transmission medium 1930 act to self-center the transmissionmedium within the closing mechanism. In one embodiment, the clampingmechanism 2360 can include self-centering jaws 2360A and 2360B. FIG. 23Dillustrates the communication device 2300 when the core 2310 is in thefirst opened position while FIG. 23D illustrates the communicationdevice when the core is in the second closed position and thus theclamping mechanism 2360 is closed on the transmission medium 1930. Theclamping mechanism 2360 can be connected with the core 2310 and/or thehousing 2340 so that the clamping mechanism is moveable between openedand closed positioned (e.g., the self-centering jaws 2360A and 2360Bselectively being separated and moved together).

Referring to FIG. 23E, the self-centering jaws 2360A and 2360B areillustrated being moved together to clamp onto the transmission medium1930. In this example, the self-centering jaws 2360A and 2360B are shownmoving in a linear path but they can move in various paths, such asrotating as in FIGS. 23C and 23D. As shown in FIGS. 23F-23H, the innershape of the self-centering jaws 2360A and 2360B allows transmissionmediums of different diameters to be clamped and/or self-centered. Inone embodiment, one or both of the self-centering jaws 2360A and 2360Bcan have a spring-loaded connection with the core 2310 and/or housing2340. In this example, the spring-loaded connection enables theself-centering jaws 2360A and 2360B to move with respect to the core2310 and/or housing 2340 so that transmission mediums 1930 of differentdiameters can be clamped down on while still allowing the core 2310 tobe closed.

Referring to FIG. 24, a schematic diagram of portion of a communicationdevice 2400 is illustrated where the communication device allows for aconnection with the transmission medium 1930 and allows for obtainingpower, via inductive coupling, from the transmission medium. The portionof the communication device 2400 being shown includes components thatfacilitate the physical connection and inductive coupling with thetransmission medium, but various other components that facilitate otherfunctions such as transmitting and/or receiving communications can beincluded in the communication device.

Communication device 2400 is illustrated in an exploded view with a core2410 having lower and upper core portions 2410A and 2410B. The lower andupper core portions 2410A and 2410B are moveable, which provides accessto an opening 2415 through the core 2410. A lower housing portion 2440is illustrated which can moveably (e.g., rotationally) connect with anupper housing portion (not shown) via a connection mechanism (e.g., ahinge or pivot opening 2422 is shown that can engage with a hinge orpivot that is not shown) to enable the separation and adjoining of thelower and upper core portions 2410A and 2410B. One or both of the coreportions 2410A and 2410B (e.g., at the ends) can include a compressiblematerial 2450 that becomes compressed when the core portions 2410A and2410B are brought together, such as a compressible material thatincreases magnetic field conductivity.

In one or more embodiments, the core 2410 can be a group of cores (thatare each separable into more than one core portion). In one or moreembodiments, all or some of the group of cores can be coaxially aligned.In one or more embodiments, a support carriage 2475 (e.g., an elastomercarriage) can be utilized to support each of the lower core portions2410A, such as having support slots where the lower core portions sitpartially in the support slots. For instance, the support carriage 2475can support each of the lower core portions 2410A while also keeping thelower core portions isolated from each other. In this example, each coreof the group of cores 2410 can function in parallel as an inductivepower coupling with the transmission medium 1930. Various othercomponents to facilitate the inductive power coupling can be included inthe communication device 2400, such as a secondary winding for each ofthe cores, a power control circuit, a battery, and so forth.

Referring to FIG. 25, a schematic diagram of portion of a communicationdevice 2500 is illustrated where the communication device allows for aconnection with the transmission medium 1930 and allows for obtainingpower, via inductive coupling, from the transmission medium. The portionof the communication device 2500 being shown includes components thatfacilitate inductive coupling with the transmission medium andfacilitate providing communications, but various other components thatfacilitate other functions can be included in the communication device.

Communication device 2500 is illustrated in an exploded view with asingle core 2510 having lower and upper core portions 2510A and 2510B.The lower and upper core portions 2510A and 2510B are moveable (theconnection mechanism not being shown), which provides access to anopening 2515 through the core 2510. One or both of the core portions2510A and 2510B (e.g., at the ends) can include a compressible material2550 that becomes compressed when the core portions 2510A and 2510B arebrought together, such as a compressible material that increasesmagnetic field conductivity.

Communication device 2500 can include a battery 2580 that is chargeableby an inductive coupling with the transmission medium 1930 (e.g.,utilizing the core 2510 and a secondary winding around the core (notshown). Communication device 2500 can also include a voltage rectifierand/or spike suppression circuit 2585 for controlling the amount ofpower being obtained from the transmission medium and/or protecting thecircuit components of the communication device 2500.

In one or more embodiments, the communication device 2500 can includeone or more waveguide devices 2590 (two of which are shown). Thewaveguide device(s) 2590 can be utilized for transmitting and/orreceiving communications utilizing the transmission medium as a guide.For example, the waveguide device(s) 2590 can provide communication byelectromagnetic waves at a physical interface of the transmission medium1930 that propagate without utilizing an electrical return path, wherethe electromagnetic waves are guided by the transmission medium, and/orwhere the electromagnetic waves have a non-optical frequency range. Inthis example, the two waveguide devices 2590 are positioned in proximityto the transmission medium 1930 to enable generating the electromagneticwaves at the physical interface of the transmission medium and arepositioned on opposing sides of the core 2510 so that theelectromagnetic waves can bypass the core. For example, electromagneticwaves can be received by one of the waveguide devices 2590 andcorresponding signals can be provided to a waveguide circuit 2599 ofcircuit board 2595 which then transmits corresponding electromagneticwaves via the other of the waveguide devices 2590.

In one or more embodiments, a single waveguide device 2590 can beutilized where the communication device 2500 is an endpoint node orwhere the electromagnetic waves are capable of being guided by thetransmission medium 1930 past the core 2510, such as where a foam orother materials along the inner surface of the core provides a regionfor the electromagnetic waves to propagate past the core (e.g., betweenthe outer surface of the transmission medium and the inner surface ofthe core). In one or more embodiments, the circuit board 2595 caninclude a power circuit 2597 that facilitates obtaining power from thetransmission medium 1930 via an inductive coupling and which is used forpowering the communication device 2500.

Referring to FIG. 26, a schematic diagram of portion of a communicationdevice 2600 is illustrated where the communication device allows for aconnection with the transmission medium 1930, allows for obtainingpower, via inductive coupling, from the transmission medium, and has alocking mechanism to facilitate clamping the communication device ontothe transmission medium. The portion of the communication device 2600being shown includes components that facilitate inductive coupling withthe transmission medium, but various other components that facilitateother functions, such as communications in conjunction with thetransmission medium, can be included in the communication device.

Communication device 2600 is illustrated in an opened position withlower and upper core portions 2610A and 2610B and lower and upperhousing portions 2640A and 2640B that are pivotally connected via aconnection mechanism 2620. The lower and upper core portions 2610A and2610B are moveable, which provide access to an opening 2615 through thecore 2610. In this example, the core portion 2610A (e.g., at the ends)includes a compressible material 2650 that becomes compressed when thecore portions 2610A and 2610B are brought together, such as acompressible material that increases magnetic field conductivity. Inthis example, the communication device 2600 includes a chargeablebattery 2680, a voltage rectifier and/or spike suppression circuit 2685for controlling the amount of power being obtained from the transmissionmedium and/or protecting the circuit components of the communicationdevice 2500, and/or a circuit board 2695 that facilitates obtainingpower from the transmission medium 1930 via an inductive coupling andwhich is used for powering the communication device 2500, as well asfacilitates providing communications, such as by electromagnetic wavesguided by the transmission medium 1930.

In this example, the connection mechanism 2620 includes a lockingmechanism 2630 that can be actuated or released by an engagement member2613 that can engage with or otherwise physically actuate the lockingmechanism. The engagement member 2613 is illustrated as a moveablepush/pull (hot stick), rod that can be engaged with the lockingmechanism 2630 but various types of engagement members can be utilized.In one embodiment, a latching signal can be generated that causes theengagement member 2613 to engage with the locking mechanism 2630resulting in the connection mechanism 2620 closing (where the closingmechanism is biased towards the closed position such as by a coilspring). In one or more embodiments, a support carriage 2675 (e.g., anelastomer carriage) can be utilized to support the lower core portion2610A and to provide a bias towards the upper core portion 2610B toassist the core being held together and improve magnetic fieldconductivity for the core. The support carriage 2675 can be a pressurepad that applies alignment force to the lower core portion 2610A.

In one or more embodiments, a secondary winding 2611 (connected to oneor more components of the communication device 2600) can be providedwrapping around the core, such as wrapping around the lower and/or uppercore portions 2610A and 2610B to facilitate the inductive power couplingbetween the communication device 2600 and the transmission medium. Inone or more embodiments, the secondary winding 2611 includes a toroidalwinding. In one or more embodiments, the inductive behavior of theinductive core may be configured where core 2610A does not have asecondary winding, (not illustrated), but still provides conductmagnetic coupling to core 2710B via magnetically conductive pads 2650.

In one or more embodiments, the communication device 2600 can include anoperational indicator 2612 (e.g., a status lamp) indicative an activestatus of the communication device, such as when it is receiving powerfrom the transmission medium 1920 and/or when it is providingcommunications.

Referring to FIG. 27, a schematic diagram of portion of a communicationdevice 2700 is illustrated where the communication device allows for aremovable connection with the transmission medium 1930, allows forobtaining power, via inductive coupling, from the transmission medium,and has a locking mechanism to facilitate clamping the communicationdevice onto the transmission medium. The portion of the communicationdevice 2700 being shown includes components that facilitate inductivecoupling with the transmission medium, but various other components thatfacilitate other functions, such as communications in conjunction withthe transmission medium, can be included in the communication device.Communication device 2700 can include many features similar tocommunication device 2600 such as lower and upper housing portions, apivotal connection, a compressible material, a chargeable battery, avoltage rectifier and/or spike suppression circuit, a circuit board andso forth.

In one or more embodiments, the lower and upper core portions 2710A and2710B of core 2710 can be formed by way of a wound ribbon 2711 of amagnetic alloy as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 27. As an example,the magnetic alloy can be wrapped along with an electrical insulator2712, such as an adhesive electrical insulator, to form a wound core2710 having layers separated (e.g., electrically isolated) by theelectrical insulator. In one or more embodiments, the core 2710 can beformed from an amorphous metal alloy, such as Metglas. In one or moreembodiments, the core 2710 can be formed from an electrical Si Steel. Inone or more embodiments, the housing 2740 can be formed from a pottingcompound and can include a water-tight seal 2741 (e.g., rubber) betweenthe lower and upper housing portions 2740A and 2740B.

Referring to FIG. 28, a schematic diagram of a communication device 2800is illustrated where the communication device allows for a connectionwith the transmission medium 1930, allows for obtaining power viainductive coupling with the transmission medium, and allows forproviding communications. The communication device 2800 being shownincludes components that facilitate inductive coupling with thetransmission medium 1930 to obtain power for the communication device.

In this example, the communication device 2800 can include an inductivepower module 2805, a waveguide(s) 2810 and a wireless device 2815. Theinductive power module 2805 and the waveguide 2810 can be integrated orotherwise physically connected to each other. The inductive power module2805, the waveguide 2810 and the wireless device 2815 can be coupled byway of a cable 2820 for providing communications and/or power.

Inductive power module 2805 can include various features (e.g., featuresdescribes with respect to communication devices 2600 and 2700) tofacilitate obtaining, regulating and/or controlling power (via aninductive coupling with the transmission medium 1930), such as housingportions, core portions, a secondary winding, a moveable or pivotalconnection, a compressible material, a chargeable battery, a voltagerectifier and/or spike suppression circuit, a circuit board and soforth. Waveguide 2810 (two of which are shown but in one or moreembodiments a single surface waveguide can also be utilized) can includevarious features described herein (e.g., features described with respectto FIGS. 18A-18J) to facilitate communications by electromagnetic wavesguided by the transmission medium 1930, such as a transceiver, radiatingelement(s), a dielectric coupler, various circuit components (e.g.,MMICs), and so forth. Wireless device 2815 can include various featuresdescribed herein (e.g., features described with respect to FIG. 29A) tofacilitate wireless communications, such as a transceiver, a feed point,a dielectric antenna, various circuit components, and so forth. Cable2820 can include various features described herein (e.g., featuresdescribed with respect to FIGS. 30A-30C) to facilitate providingcommunications and/or power between the inductive power module 2805, thesurface waveguide 2810 and the wireless device 2815, such as adielectric core, cladding, outer jacket, and so forth

In one or more embodiments, the inductive power module 2805 and thewaveguide(s) 2810 can be physically connected to the transmission medium1930, such as through use of a separable core as described herein. Inone or more embodiments, the wireless device 2815 can be coupled to asupport structure 2850, such as a pole that supports the transmissionmedium 1930. In one or more embodiments, communications can be providedby the communication device 2800 by way of the waveguide(s) 2810 and/orby way of the wireless device 2815. As an example, the surface waveguide2810 can provide or receive electromagnetic waves at a physicalinterface of the transmission medium 1930 that propagate withoututilizing an electrical return path, where the electromagnetic waves areguided by the transmission medium. Continuing with this example, awireless signal can be radiated from a dielectric antenna of thewireless device 2815 in response to electromagnetic waves being receivedat a feed point of the dielectric antenna via a dielectric core of thecable 2820. In one or more embodiments, the wireless device 2815 canreceive wireless signals that are used in generating electromagneticwaves provided to the dielectric core of the cable 2820. In one or moreembodiments, communication device 2800 allows for selective use ofdifferent techniques of communication (wireless or guided by thetransmission medium 1930).

Turning now to FIGS. 29A and 29B, block diagrams illustrating example,non-limiting embodiments of a dielectric antenna and corresponding gainand field intensity plots in accordance with various aspects describedherein are shown. FIG. 29A depicts a dielectric horn antenna 2991 havinga conical structure. The dielectric horn antenna 2991 is coupled to afeed point 2992, which can also be comprised of a dielectric material.In one embodiment, for example, the dielectric horn antenna 2991 and thefeed point 2992 can be constructed of dielectric materials such as apolyethylene material, a polyurethane material or other suitabledielectric material (e.g., a synthetic resin, other plastics, etc.). Inan embodiment, the dielectric horn antenna 2991 and the feed point 2992can be adapted to be substantially or entirely devoid of any conductivematerials. For example, the external surfaces 2997 of the dielectrichorn antenna 2991 and the feed point 2992 can be non-conductivesubstantially non-conductive with at least 95% of the external surfacearea being non-conductive and the dielectric materials used to constructthe dielectric horn antenna 2991 and the feed point 2992 can be suchthat they substantially do not contain impurities that may be conductive(e.g., such as less than 1 part per thousand) or result in impartingconductive properties. In other embodiments however, a limited number ofconductive components can be used such as a metallic connector componentused at the feed point 2992, one or more screw, rivets or other couplingelements used to bind components to one another, and/or one or morestructural elements that do not significantly alter the radiationpattern of the dielectric antenna.

The feed point 2992 can be adapted to couple to a core 2952. In oneembodiment, the feed point 2992 can be coupled to the core 2952utilizing a joint (not shown in FIG. 29A) such as a splicing device.Other embodiments for coupling the feed point 2992 to the core 2952 canbe used. In an embodiment, the joint can be configured to cause the feedpoint 2992 to touch an endpoint of the core 2952. In another embodiment,the joint can create a gap between the feed point 2992 and the endpointof the core 2952. In yet another embodiment, the joint can cause thefeed point 2992 and the core 2952 to be coaxially aligned or partiallymisaligned. Notwithstanding any combination of the foregoingembodiments, electromagnetic waves can in whole or at least in partpropagate between the junction of the feed point 2992 and the core 2952.

The cable 2950 can be coupled to a waveguide system configured to selecta wave mode (e.g., non-fundamental wave mode, fundamental wave mode, ahybrid wave mode, or combinations thereof as described earlier) andtransmit instances of electromagnetic waves having a non-opticaloperating frequency (e.g., 60 GHz). The electromagnetic waves can bedirected to an interface of the cable 2950.

The instances of electromagnetic waves generated by the waveguide systemcan induce a combined electromagnetic wave having the selected wave modethat propagates from the core 2952 to the feed point 2992. The combinedelectromagnetic wave can propagate partly inside the core 2952 andpartly on an outer surface of the core 2952. Once the combinedelectromagnetic wave has propagated through the junction between thecore 2952 and the feed point 2992, the combined electromagnetic wave cancontinue to propagate partly inside the feed point 2992 and partly on anouter surface of the feed point 2992. In some embodiments, the portionof the combined electromagnetic wave that propagates on the outersurface of the core 2952 and the feed point 2992 is small. In theseembodiments, the combined electromagnetic wave can be said to be guidedby and tightly coupled to the core 2952 and the feed point 2992 whilepropagating longitudinally towards the dielectric antenna 2991.

When the combined electromagnetic wave reaches a proximal portion of thedielectric antenna 2991 (at a junction 2992′ between the feed point 2992and the dielectric antenna 2991), the combined electromagnetic waveenters the proximal portion of the dielectric antenna 2991 andpropagates longitudinally along an axis of the dielectric antenna 2991(shown as a hashed line). By the time the combined electromagnetic wavereaches the aperture 2993, the combined electromagnetic wave has anintensity pattern similar to the one shown in FIG. 29B. The electricfield intensity pattern of FIG. 29B shows that the electric fields ofthe combined electromagnetic waves are strongest in a center region ofthe aperture 2993 and weaker in the outer regions. In an embodiment,where the wave mode of the electromagnetic waves propagating in thedielectric antenna 2991 is a hybrid wave mode (e.g., HE11), the leakageof the electromagnetic waves at the external surfaces 2997 is reduced orin some instances eliminated

In an embodiment, the far field antenna gain pattern depicted in FIG.29B can be widened by decreasing the operating frequency of the combinedelectromagnetic wave. Similarly, the gain pattern can be narrowed byincreasing the operating frequency of the combined electromagnetic wave.Accordingly, a width of a beam of wireless signals emitted by theaperture 2993 can be controlled by configuring the waveguide system toincrease or decrease the operating frequency of the combinedelectromagnetic wave.

The dielectric antenna 2991 of FIG. 29A can also be used for receivingwireless signals. Wireless signals received by the dielectric antenna2991 at the aperture 2993 induce electromagnetic waves in the dielectricantenna 2991 that propagate towards the feed point 2992. Theelectromagnetic waves continue to propagate from the feed point 2992 tothe core 2952. In this configuration, the waveguide system can performbidirectional communications utilizing the dielectric antenna 2991. Itis further noted that in some embodiments the core 2952 of the cable2950 (shown with dashed lines) can be configured to be collinear withthe feed point 2992 to avoid a bend shown in FIG. 29A. In someembodiments, a collinear configuration can reduce an alteration of theelectromagnetic due to the bend in cable 2950.

In one or more embodiments, the cable can include a dielectric corecovered by a shell, and the wireless signal radiates from an aperture ofthe dielectric antenna. In one or more embodiments, the dielectricantenna has substantially or entirely no conductive external surfaces,and the dielectric antenna has a composition that is substantially orentirely devoid of conductive materials. In one or more embodiments, thedielectric core is opaque, thereby resistant to propagation ofelectromagnetic waves having an optical operating frequency. In one ormore embodiments, the shell comprises a dielectric layer disposed on thedielectric core. In one or more embodiments, the dielectric corecomprises a first dielectric constant, where the shell comprises asecond dielectric constant, and where the first dielectric constantexceeds the second dielectric constant to enable the electromagneticwaves to be bound to the dielectric core. In one or more embodiments,the dielectric antenna comprises a high density dielectric material. Inone or more embodiments, the high density dielectric material comprisesa high density polyethylene material, a high density polyurethanematerial, or a synthetic resin.

In one or more embodiments, the cross-sections of the dielectric feedpoint and the dielectric core have similar dimensions. In one or moreembodiments, the shell comprises a low density dielectric material. Inone or more embodiments, the low density dielectric material comprisesan expanded polyethylene material. In one or more embodiments, thetransmitter comprises a slotted waveguide for inducing theelectromagnetic waves guided by the dielectric core. In one or moreembodiments, the transmitter comprises a microwave circuit coupled to anantenna and a waveguide structure for inducing the electromagnetic wavesguided by the dielectric core. In one or more embodiments, thetransmitter is configured to perform waveform adjustments to thewireless signal radiated by the dielectric antenna. In one or moreembodiments, the electromagnetic waves have a hybrid wave mode. In oneor more embodiments, the dielectric antenna has a horn structure. In oneor more embodiments, the dielectric antenna has a pyramidal structure.

Turning now to FIG. 30A, a block diagram illustrating an example,non-limiting embodiment of a transmission medium 3000 for propagatingguided electromagnetic waves is shown. Transmission medium 3000 can beutilized as cable 2820 in communication device 2800. In particular, afurther example of transmission medium 125 presented in conjunction withFIG. 1 is presented. In an embodiment, the transmission medium 3000 cancomprise a first dielectric material 3002 and a second dielectricmaterial 3004 disposed thereon. In an embodiment, the first dielectricmaterial 3002 can comprise a dielectric core (referred to herein asdielectric core 3002) and the second dielectric material 3004 cancomprise a cladding or shell such as a dielectric foam that surrounds inwhole or in part the dielectric core (referred to herein as dielectricfoam 3004). In an embodiment, the dielectric core 3002 and dielectricfoam 3004 can be coaxially aligned to each other (although notnecessary). In an embodiment, the combination of the dielectric core3002 and the dielectric foam 3004 can be flexed or bent at least by 45degrees without damaging the materials of the dielectric core 3002 andthe dielectric foam 3004. In an embodiment, an outer surface of thedielectric foam 3004 can be further surrounded in whole or in part by athird dielectric material 3006, which can serve as an outer jacket(referred to herein as jacket 3006). The jacket 3006 can preventexposure of the dielectric core 3002 and the dielectric foam 3004 to anenvironment that can adversely affect the propagation of electromagneticwaves (e.g., water, soil, etc.).

The dielectric core 3002 can comprise, for example, a high densitypolyethylene material, a high density polyurethane material, or othersuitable dielectric material(s). The dielectric foam 3004 can comprise,for example, a cellular plastic material such an expanded polyethylenematerial, or other suitable dielectric material(s). The jacket 3006 cancomprise, for example, a polyethylene material or equivalent. In anembodiment, the dielectric constant of the dielectric foam 3004 can be(or substantially) lower than the dielectric constant of the dielectriccore 3002. For example, the dielectric constant of the dielectric core3002 can be approximately 2.3 while the dielectric constant of thedielectric foam 3004 can be approximately 1.15 (slightly higher than thedielectric constant of air).

The dielectric core 3002 can be used for receiving signals in the formof electromagnetic waves from a launcher or other coupling devicedescribed herein which can be configured to launch guidedelectromagnetic waves on the transmission medium 3000. In oneembodiment, the transmission 3000 can be coupled to a hollow waveguide3008 structured as, for example, a circular waveguide 3009, which canreceive electromagnetic waves from a radiating device such as a stubantenna (not shown). The hollow waveguide 3008 can in turn induce guidedelectromagnetic waves in the dielectric core 3002. In thisconfiguration, the guided electromagnetic waves are guided by or boundto the dielectric core 3002 and propagate longitudinally along thedielectric core 3002. By adjusting electronics of the launcher, anoperating frequency of the electromagnetic waves can be chosen such thata field intensity profile 3010 of the guided electromagnetic wavesextends nominally (or not at all) outside of the jacket 3006.

By maintaining most (if not all) of the field strength of the guidedelectromagnetic waves within portions of the dielectric core 3002, thedielectric foam 3004 and/or the jacket 3006, the transmission medium3000 can be used in hostile environments without adversely affecting thepropagation of the electromagnetic waves propagating therein. Forexample, the transmission medium 3000 can be buried in soil with no (ornearly no) adverse effect to the guided electromagnetic wavespropagating in the transmission medium 3000. Similarly, the transmissionmedium 3000 can be exposed to water (e.g., rain or placed underwater)with no (or nearly no) adverse effect to the guided electromagneticwaves propagating in the transmission medium 3000. In an embodiment, thepropagation loss of guided electromagnetic waves in the foregoingembodiments can be 1 to 2 dB per meter or better at an operatingfrequency of 60 GHz. Depending on the operating frequency of the guidedelectromagnetic waves and/or the materials used for the transmissionmedium 3000 other propagation losses may be possible. Additionally,depending on the materials used to construct the transmission medium3000, the transmission medium 3000 can in some embodiments be flexedlaterally with no (or nearly no) adverse effect to the guidedelectromagnetic waves propagating through the dielectric core 3002 andthe dielectric foam 3004.

FIG. 30B depicts a transmission medium 3020 that differs from thetransmission medium 3000 of FIG. 30A, yet provides a further example ofthe transmission medium 125 presented in conjunction with FIG. 1. Thetransmission medium 3020 shows similar reference numerals for similarelements of the transmission medium 3000 of FIG. 30A. In contrast to thetransmission medium 3000, the transmission medium 3020 comprises aconductive core 3022 having an insulation layer 3023 surrounding theconductive core 3022 in whole or in part. The combination of theinsulation layer 3023 and the conductive core 3022 will be referred toherein as an insulated conductor 3025. In the illustration of FIG. 30B,the insulation layer 3023 is covered in whole or in part by a dielectricfoam 3004 and jacket 3006, which can be constructed from the materialspreviously described. In an embodiment, the insulation layer 3023 cancomprise a dielectric material, such as polyethylene, having a higherdielectric constant than the dielectric foam 3004 (e.g., 2.3 and 1.15,respectively). In an embodiment, the components of the transmissionmedium 3020 can be coaxially aligned (although not necessary). In anembodiment, a hollow waveguide 3008 having metal plates 3009, which canbe separated from the insulation layer 3023 (although not necessary) canbe used to launch guided electromagnetic waves that substantiallypropagate on an outer surface of the insulation layer 3023, howeverother coupling devices as described herein can likewise be employed. Inan embodiment, the guided electromagnetic waves can be sufficientlyguided by or bound by the insulation layer 3023 to guide theelectromagnetic waves longitudinally along the insulation layer 3023. Byadjusting operational parameters of the launcher, an operating frequencyof the guided electromagnetic waves launched by the hollow waveguide3008 can generate an electric field intensity profile 3024 that resultsin the guided electromagnetic waves being substantially confined withinthe dielectric foam 3004 thereby preventing the guided electromagneticwaves from being exposed to an environment (e.g., water, soil, etc.)that adversely affects propagation of the guided electromagnetic wavesvia the transmission medium 3020.

FIG. 30C depicts a transmission medium 3030 that differs from thetransmission mediums 3000 and 3020 of FIGS. 30A and 30B, yet provides afurther example of the transmission medium 125 presented in conjunctionwith FIG. 1. The transmission medium 3030 shows similar referencenumerals for similar elements of the transmission mediums 3000 and 3020of FIGS. 30A and 30B, respectively. In contrast to the transmissionmediums 3000 and 3020, the transmission medium 3030 comprises a bare (oruninsulated) conductor 3032 surrounded in whole or in part by thedielectric foam 3004 and the jacket 3006, which can be constructed fromthe materials previously described. In an embodiment, the components ofthe transmission medium 3030 can be coaxially aligned (although notnecessary). In an embodiment, a hollow waveguide 3008 having metalplates 3009 coupled to the bare conductor 3032 can be used to launchguided electromagnetic waves that substantially propagate on an outersurface of the bare conductor 3032, however other coupling devicesdescribed herein can likewise be employed. In an embodiment, the guidedelectromagnetic waves can be sufficiently guided by or bound by the bareconductor 3032 to guide the guided electromagnetic waves longitudinallyalong the bare conductor 3032. By adjusting operational parameters ofthe launcher, an operating frequency of the guided electromagnetic waveslaunched by the hollow waveguide 3008 can generate an electric fieldintensity profile 3034 that results in the guided electromagnetic wavesbeing substantially confined within the dielectric foam 3004 therebypreventing the guided electromagnetic waves from being exposed to anenvironment (e.g., water, soil, etc.) that adversely affects propagationof the electromagnetic waves via the transmission medium 3030.

It should be noted that the hollow launcher 3008 used with thetransmission mediums 3000, 3020 and 3030 of FIGS. 30A, 30B and 30C,respectively, can be replaced with other launchers or coupling devices.Additionally, the propagation mode(s) of the electromagnetic waves forany of the foregoing embodiments can be fundamental mode(s), anon-fundamental (or asymmetric) mode(s), or combinations thereof.

Turning now to FIGS. 31A and 31B, schematic block diagrams 3100 and 3125of example, non-limiting embodiments of a communication coupling circuitor device in accordance with various aspects described herein, areshown. These communication coupling circuit can be utilized by one ormore of the communication devices described herein to transmit orreceive electromagnetic waves guided by the transmission medium 1930.These communication coupling circuits can be integrated with thecommunication devices described herein that obtain power via aninductive coupling with the transmission medium 1930 and/or that arephysically connected with the transmission medium by way of variousconnection mechanisms (e.g., a hinge and separable core). In particular,further embodiments are described of coupling device 220 presented inconjunction with FIG. 2. Considering FIG. 31A, a transmission device,such as transmission device 101 or 102 presented in conjunction withFIGS. 1-2, includes a transceiver 3110 that generates a signal. Acommunication coupling circuit receives and couples the signal to thecapacitors 3104 and 3106. The capacitors 3104 and 3106 are passiveelectrical circuit elements that generate an electromagnetic field inresponse to the signal between the plates of each capacitor. As usedherein, a passive electrical circuit element is an electrical componentthat does not generate power, but instead dissipates, stores, and/orreleases it as part of an electrical circuit. Passive elements includeresistors/resistances, capacitors, and inductors. As used herein,passive electrical circuit elements do not include wave guides orantennas.

In addition to the operation of the capacitors 3104 and 3106 as part ofa communication coupling circuit with a section of the transmissionmedium 1930, a portion of the electromagnetic field generated by eachcapacitor is bound to or guided by an outer surface of a transmissionmedium 1930 to propagate as a guided electromagnetic wave 3120longitudinally along the transmission medium 1930 in the direction 3122and/or 3124. In this case, while the wire may carry some current as partof the circuit, it also operates as an object to guide the guidedelectromagnetic wave 3120 along the surface of the wire, as for example,a single wire transmission medium. In the embodiment shown, thecapacitors 3104 and 3106 are spaced a distance d apart that correspondsto substantially one quarter of the wavelength of the signal, tofacilitate the coupling of the signal to the transmission medium 1930 asa guided electromagnetic wave 3120.

As used herein substantially one quarter wavelength means an effectivelength that varies from a quarter wavelength by 25% or less. It is notedthat the graphical representations of guided waves are presented merelyto illustrate an example of guided-wave coupling and propagation. Theactual electric and magnetic fields generated as a result of such wavepropagation may vary depending on the frequencies employed, the designand/or configuration of the coupling device, the dimensions andcomposition of the transmission medium 1930, as well as its surfacecharacteristics and the electromagnetic properties of the surroundingenvironment, etc. In particular, the guided electromagnetic wave canpropagate via a fundamental guided wave mode and/or at least onenon-fundamental guided wave mode. In various embodiments theelectromagnetic waves can have a carrier frequency in the 300 MHz-3 GHzband, however, higher or lower frequencies could likewise be employedincluding, but not limited to, other microwave frequencies.

While the description above has focused on the operation of a couplingdevice in transmission for launching a guided wave 3120 on atransmission medium 1930, the same coupler design can be used inreception for extracting a guided wave from the transmission medium 1930that, for example, was sent by a remote transmission device. In thismode of operation, the coupling device decouples a portion of a guidedelectromagnetic wave, conveying data from a transmitting device, that isbound to or guided by an outer surface of the transmission medium 1930and propagating longitudinally along the transmission medium 1930 in theopposite direction of 3122. In reciprocal fashion to transmission, thecapacitors 3104 and 3106 can operate to receive at least a portion ofthe guided electromagnetic wave and provide it to transceiver 3110 orother receiver.

Considering FIG. 31B, a coupling device is shown that includes manysimilar features described in conjunction with FIG. 31A that arereferred to by common reference numerals. In this embodiment, onecapacitor (like capacitor 3104 from FIG. 31A) is formed by a plate 3154placed in proximity to the transmission medium/wire 3102 and anothercapacitor (like capacitor 3106 from FIG. 31A) is formed by a plate 3156placed in proximity to the transmission medium/wire 1930. Thesecapacitors optionally include dielectrics 3164 and 3166, such aspolystyrene, polyethylene, Teflon, or other dielectric or electrolyticmaterial to, for example, promote electrical insulation between theplates 3154 and 3156 and the transmission medium/wire 1930 in the eventthat the wire is a bare wire, and optionally to increase the capacitanceof the capacitors in the desired frequency band. In an embodiment,insulation on the transmission medium/wire 1930 can act as thedielectrics 3164 and 3166. It should be noted that while FIGS. 31A and31B present a circuit with two capacitors, a greater number ofcapacitors can likewise be employed to launch and/or extract a guidedelectromagnetic wave.

Turning now to FIGS. 32A and 32B, graphical diagrams 3200 and 3250 ofexample, non-limiting embodiments of coupling devices in accordance withvarious aspects described herein, are shown. In particular, commonelements from FIGS. 32A and 32B are referred to by common referencenumerals. In this embodiment, an inductor 3204 in proximity to thetransmission medium 1930, is used as a passive electrical circuitelement as part of a circuit to generate an electromagnetic field inresponse to the signal from a transceiver 3210. A portion of theelectromagnetic field generated by the inductor is bound by an outersurface of a transmission medium 1930 to propagate as a guidedelectromagnetic wave 3120 longitudinally along the transmission medium1930 in the direction 3122 and/or 3124.

It is noted that the graphical representations of guided waves arepresented merely to illustrate an example of guided-wave coupling andpropagation. The actual electric and magnetic fields generated as aresult of such wave propagation may vary depending on the frequenciesemployed, the design and/or configuration of the coupling device, thedimensions and composition of the transmission medium 1930, as well asits surface characteristics and the electromagnetic properties of thesurrounding environment, etc. In particular, the guided electromagneticwave can propagate via a fundamental guided wave mode and/or at leastone non-fundamental guided wave mode. In various embodiments theelectromagnetic waves can have a carrier frequency in the 300 MHz-3 GHzband, however, higher or lower frequencies could likewise be employedincluding, but not limited to, other microwave frequencies.

While the description above has focused on the operation of a couplingdevice in transmission for launching a guided wave 3120 on atransmission medium 1930, the same coupler design can be used inreception for extracting a guided wave from the transmission medium 1930that, for example, was sent by a remote transmission device. In thismode of operation, the coupling device decouples a portion of a guidedelectromagnetic wave, conveying data from a transmitting device, that isbound by an outer surface of the transmission medium 1930 andpropagating longitudinally along the transmission medium 1930 in theopposite direction of 3122. In reciprocal fashion to transmission, theinductor 3204 can operate to receive at least a portion of the guidedelectromagnetic wave and provide it to transceiver 3210 or otherreceiver.

Considering FIG. 32B, another example is presented that follows alongwith the discussion of FIG. 32A. In this example, the inductor 3204 ofFIG. 32A is implemented as a toroidal inductor 3252 that circumscribesthe transmission medium 1930, such as a wire shown in cross section. Thetoroidal inductor 3252 can be constructed of multiple turns of wirewrapped around an annular toroid of powdered iron or other ferrite. Inthe case where the transmission medium 1930 is a bare wire, a dielectricwasher or other insulator 3254 can provide electrical insulation whilesupporting the wire within the toroidal inductor 3252. Such a dielectricwasher can be constructed of Teflon, polystyrene, polyethylene or otherdielectric or insulating material. In cases where the transmissionmedium 1930 is nonconductive or includes an insulating sheath or jacket,the dielectric washer can be eliminated.

While the transmission medium 1930 has been primarily discussed asincluding a wire, such as an insulated wire or cable or an uninsulatedwire, transmission medium 1930 can include any of the transmission media125 previously described. It should be noted that while FIGS. 32A and32B present a circuit with only one inductor, a greater number ofinductors can likewise be spaced along the transmission medium 1930 tolaunch and/or extract a guided electromagnetic wave.

Turning now to FIG. 33, a flow diagram of an example, non-limitingembodiment of a method 3300, is shown. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features presented inconjunction with FIGS. 1-32B and is described with respect to powering acommunication device that can include a waveguide. At 3302, an inductivepower module can obtain power, by a communication device, from a currentpassing through a transmission medium via an inductive coupling betweenthe communication device and the transmission medium. The communicationdevice can be physically connected with the transmission medium. At3304, the communication device can provide communications byelectromagnetic waves that propagate without utilizing an electricalreturn path. The electromagnetic waves can be guided by one of thetransmission medium or a dielectric core of a cable coupled to a feedpoint of a dielectric antenna. In other embodiments, the electromagneticwaves can be guided by a coaxial cable or waveguide.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 33, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited to the particular blocks and other blocks may be utilizedwith the method described herein.

Referring to FIG. 34, a system 3400 is illustrated in which placementinformation can be generated or otherwise obtained that is indicative ofa target location for deploying or otherwise positioning a communicationdevice. The placement information can be based on various informationcollected from transmitting and/or receiving wireless signals to and/orfrom various target locations, such as collecting RF parametersassociated with the wireless signals. The placement information caninclude other information associated with signal transmitting and/orreceiving, such as line of sight information, interference information,and so forth. The placement information can be generated and/orpresented in various formats, such as a received signal strength map forvarious target locations where the signals are associated with variousdifferent locations.

In one or more embodiments, an unmanned aircraft(s) 3410 can be utilizedto facilitate collecting data such as signal parameters. For example, areceive unmanned aircraft 3410A can be flown to various target positionsthat are to be evaluated for placement of a communication device. In oneembodiment, the communication device can be a waveguide device that isto be physically connected with or in proximity to a transmission medium1930, such as a wire suspended along poles. The waveguide device canprovide communications by way of electromagnetic waves that are guidedby the transmission medium and/or by way of wireless signals, such asthrough use of a dielectric antenna. As shown in FIG. 34, a path 3411 ofthe receive unmanned aircraft 3410A is depicted as it flies in proximityto the transmission medium 1930. The target locations for thecommunication device can be at other locations that are not in proximityto a transmission medium, such as at a support structure, a building, anopen area, a road, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, the receive unmanned aircraft 3410A cancollect and store the data (e.g., RF parameters indexed to targetlocations and/or different transmitting locations). The data can then beretrieved from the receive unmanned aircraft 3410A, such as by obtainingthe data when the receive unmanned aircraft 3410A returns from flight.In another embodiment, data exchange can occur at other times, such asduring flight. In one embodiment, the analysis of the data andgeneration of the placement information, such as an RF receive signalstrength map, a coverage map, an interference map and/or other reportsindicative of the placement information can be generated by anotherdevice.

In one or more embodiments, a vehicle 3430 can accompany the receiveunmanned aircraft 3410A to facilitate collecting the signal parameters.For instance, the vehicle 3430 can wirelessly receive the collected datafrom the receive unmanned aircraft 3410A (or obtain the data when thereceive unmanned aircraft returns from flight) and process the data,such as generating receive signal strength maps for various locationsalong the transmission medium 1930. In another embodiment, the vehicle3430 can include a control device that provides control signals to theunmanned aircraft 3410A that enable the unmanned aircraft to fly inproximity to the transmission medium. The unmanned aircraft 3410A hasthe ability to fly with sufficient stability to reach target positionsalong the transmission medium 1930. The use of the unmanned aircraft3410A enables obtaining signal parameters for a target location(s)without requiring bucket trucks or other provider equipment that isoften required for reaching difficult areas. The unmanned aircraft 3410Ahas the ability to ascend and descend at these difficult-to-reach areasso that the target locations also can vary as to altitude.

In one or more embodiments, the unmanned aircraft 3410A can communicatedirectly with a remote control device for operational control (e.g.,flight, capturing images, navigational data, and so forth) and canutilize a different wireless communication for providing the collecteddata, such as wirelessly transmitting the collected data from theunmanned aircraft 3410A to a receiver utilizing network communications,such as a cellular network, a wireless device physically connected withor in proximity to the transmission medium 1930, and so forth.

At the various target locations, the receive unmanned aircraft 3410A canreceive wireless test signals. The test signals can be received fromdifferent locations, such as transmitters located at or in buildings3404, base stations 3406, or other locations. In one embodiment, one ormore other unmanned aircrafts 3410B can be used for transmitting thetest signals from the different locations, such as in proximity tobuildings 3404. In one or more embodiments, a combination of testingsignals transmitted from unmanned aircraft 3410B and transmitted fromother transmitters can be used for the different locations, such aswhere certain locations already have a transmitter in place (e.g., olderbuildings) and other locations do not have a transmitter in place (e.g.,buildings under construction). In one or more embodiments, the unmannedaircraft 3410A can transmit one or more test signals towards variouslocations (e.g., base stations, premises, other unmanned aircrafts, andso forth). These test signals can be analyzed, such as for receivesignal strength, to determine positioning information, such as along thetransmission medium 1930.

Referring to FIG. 35, an RF receive signal strength map 3500 is shown inwhich placement information is generated from collected data for a groupof different locations that are transmitting test signals (e.g.,buildings 3404) and is indicated in a signal strength bar 3550. The datacan be collected according to the techniques and utilizing the devicesdescribed in system 3400 of FIG. 34. The signal strength bar 3550 can besuperimposed or otherwise presented in conjunction with a geographic mapof the area (e.g., showing the buildings 3404, the transmission medium1930, roads, poles, and so forth and/or a schematic representationthereof). The different shading on the signal strength bar 3550 canrepresent different signal strengths, average signal strengths or somederived or derivate value associated with signal strengths from one,some or all of the locations (e.g., buildings 3404). As an example, aderivative value can include or otherwise take into account aninterfering signal or a combination of interfering signals. Positionsalong the transmission medium 1930 can correspond to positions along thesignal strength bar 3550, such as target position X corresponding to theshading of X′ on the signal strength bar. Various techniques andcomponents can be used for determining the RF receive signal strengthsuch as RSSI measurements.

Referring to FIG. 36, a line of sight map 3600 is shown in whichplacement information is generated from collected data for a group ofdifferent locations and is indicated in a line of sight bar 3650. Thedata can be collected according to the techniques and utilizing thedevices described in system 3400 of FIG. 34. The line of sight bar 3650can be superimposed or otherwise presented in conjunction with ageographic map of the area (e.g., showing the buildings 3404, thetransmission medium 1930, roads, poles, and so forth and/or a schematicrepresentation thereof). The different numbers on the line of sight bar3550 can represent the number of different locations (e.g., buildings)where there is an unobstructed line of sight between the target location(proposed positioning of the communication device) and the particularlocation (e.g., buildings 3404). Positions along the transmission medium1930 can correspond to positions along the line of sight bar 3650, suchas target position Y corresponding to the number for Y′ on the line ofsight bar. In this example, the line of sight information can beobtained by capturing images, such as images captured in a directionfrom the target location to each of the different locations (e.g.,buildings) or captured in the opposite direction. Other techniques canbe utilized to determine if there are any physical structures, such asother buildings, trees, towers, walls, and so forth that obstruct theline of sight between the target location and the different locations,such as sonar, radar and so forth. In one embodiment, the line of sightmap 3600 can be superimposed or otherwise combined with the RF receivesignal strength map 3500 to indicate signal strength and line of sightdata on a single map.

Referring to FIG. 37, a coverage map 3700 is shown in which placementinformation is generated from collected data for a group of differentlocations and is indicated for each of the different locations (e.g.,buildings 3404), such as through shading. The data can be collectedaccording to the techniques and utilizing the devices described insystem 3400 of FIG. 34. In this example, each of the buildings can beshaded to represent a signal strength(s) associated with a testingsignal(s), including average received signal strength. The testingsignal can be transmitted from a wireless device 3710 to a receiver atthe location or can be received by the wireless device 3710 from atransmitter at the location. The coverage map 3700 can indicate receivedsignal strength for test signals received at the building 3404 (or otherlocations) and/or received signal strength for test signals transmittedfrom the building 3404 (or other locations) that are received by areceiver (e.g., at the transmission medium or at some other proposedlocations for the communication device). Obstacles, distance and otherfactors can affect the signal strength of the testing signal. In oneembodiment, the wireless device 3710 is positioned in proximity to thetransmission medium 1930 and can be physically connected thereto. Inanother embodiment, the wireless device 3710 can receive power via aninductive coupling with the transmission medium 1930.

Referring to FIG. 38, a system and vertical map 3800 is shown in whichplacement information is generated from collected data for a group ofdifferent locations that are transmitting test signals (e.g., buildings3404) and is indicated in a signal strength bar 3850 and a line of sightbar 3855. The data can be collected according to the techniques andutilizing the devices described in system 3400 of FIG. 34, such asmeasuring received signal strength utilizing the receive unmannedaircraft 3410A which moves vertically along path 3805 at a particularlocation of the transmission medium. The placement information can begenerated based on different vertical positions. In one or moreembodiments, data can be collected for a number of vertical positionscorresponding to a single target location or corresponding to a numberof target locations, such as a number of vertical positions for aparticular mid-span of a transmission medium between two particularpoles. The signal strength bar 3850 can be superimposed or otherwisepresented in conjunction with a support structure 3860 (e.g., a pole)representing the various vertical positions. The different shadings onthe signal strength bar 3850 can represent different signal strengths,average signal strengths or some derived or derivate values associatedwith signal strengths from one, some or all of the locations (e.g.,buildings 3404). Vertical positions along the support structure 3860 cancorrespond to positions along the signal strength bar 3850. Varioustechniques and components can be used for determining the RF receivesignal strength such as RSSI measurements.

Vertical map 3800 can also include the line of sight bar 3855 which isbased on data collected according to the techniques and utilizing thedevices described in system 3400 of FIG. 34. The different numbers onthe line of sight bar 3855 can represent the number of differentlocations (e.g., buildings) where there is an unobstructed line of sightbetween the target location and the particular location (e.g., abuilding). In one or more embodiments, the map 3800 can facilitatequantifying a performance difference between a utility space and atelecom space on a pole based on RF parameters and the surroundingenvironment.

Referring to FIG. 39, a system 3900 is illustrated in which placementinformation can be generated or otherwise obtained that is indicative ofa target location for deploying or placement of a communication device,such as customer premises equipment. The placement information can bebased on various information collected from transmitting and/orreceiving wireless signals to and/or from various target locations, suchas collecting RF parameters associated with the wireless signals. Theplacement information can include other information associated withsignal transmitting and/or receiving, such as interference information.The placement information can be generated and/or presented in variousformats, such as a received signal strength map for various targetlocations.

In one or more embodiments, the receive unmanned aircraft 3410A can beutilized to facilitate collecting data such as signal parameters, wherethe receive unmanned aircraft can be flown to various target positionsthat are to be evaluated for placement of the communication device, suchas positions outside of and/or inside of the building 3404. In oneembodiment, the receive unmanned aircraft 3410A can receive wirelesssignals from a transmitter, such as one that is physically connectedwith a transmission medium or in proximity thereto. The communicationdevice to be positioned at or in the building 3404 can be various typesof devices including an antenna, a dielectric antenna, a femtocelldevice, a picocell device, and so forth. As shown in FIG. 39, a path3911 of the receive unmanned aircraft 3410A is depicted as it flies inproximity to the building 3404 (or within the building) where it can bereceiving and analyzing test signals that are received at various pointsalong the path 3911. The use of the unmanned aircraft 3410A enablesobtaining signal parameters for target locations without requiringbucket trucks or other provider equipment that is often required forreaching difficult areas. The unmanned aircraft 3410A has the ability toascend and descend at these difficult-to-reach areas so that the targetlocations also can vary as to altitude. In one or more embodiments, thereceive unmanned aircraft 3410A can receive wireless test signals thatare being transmitted from other unmanned aircrafts, base stations,wireless transmitters physically connected with a transmission medium,or other locations.

Referring to FIG. 40, an RF receive signal strength map 4000 is shown inwhich placement information is generated from collected data for a groupof different locations receiving test signals (e.g., outside or insideof a building 3404). The data can be collected according to thetechniques and utilizing the devices described in system 3900 of FIG.39. The map 4000 can include an image or a schematic representation of apremises, building, road, support structure, or other area that is toreceive a communication device. The different shading along differentparts of the building 3404 can represent different signal strengths,average signal strengths or some derivate values associated with signalstrengths for test signals being received from a transmitter (e.g., awireless transmitter in proximity to a transmission medium, a basestation, and so forth). Various techniques and components can be usedfor determining the RF receive signal strength such as RSSImeasurements.

Referring to FIG. 41, a system 4100 is illustrated in which placementinformation can be generated or otherwise obtained that is indicative ofa target location for a communication device. The placement informationcan be based on various information collected from transmitting and/orreceiving wireless signals to and/or from various target locations, suchas collecting RF parameters associated with the wireless signals. Theplacement information can include other information associated withsignal transmitting and/or receiving, such as Signal-to-Noise ratiodata, interference information, line of sight or detection informationfor cells or base stations, cell identification, sector identification,other cell parameters, and so forth. The placement information can begenerated and/or presented in various formats, such as an interferencemap for various target locations where the signals are associated withvarious base stations and/or various target locations along atransmission medium 1930.

In one or more embodiments, the receive unmanned aircraft 3410A cancollect data as it is flown to various target locations that are to beevaluated for placement of the communication device. In one embodiment,the communication device can be a waveguide device that is to bephysically connected with or in proximity to the transmission medium1930, such as a wire suspended along poles. The waveguide device canprovide communications by way of electromagnetic waves that are guidedby the transmission medium and/or by way of wireless signals, such asthrough use of a dielectric antenna. As shown in FIG. 41, a path 4111 ofthe receive unmanned aircraft 3410A is depicted as it flies in proximityto the transmission medium 1930. As described with respect to system3400 of FIG. 34, a vehicle 3430 can accompany the receive unmannedaircraft 3410A to facilitate collecting the signal parameters and/orfacilitate controlling the receive unmanned aircraft. At the varioustarget locations, the receive unmanned aircraft 3410A can receivewireless test signals transmitted from base station(s) 4150. In one ormore embodiments, interference measurements can be made according tointerference between base stations, such as interference caused by basestation 4150′.

The unmanned aircraft 3410 illustrated in FIGS. 34, 38, 39 and 41 can becontrolled based on user input received from a control device, such as aremote control device of an operator (e.g., inside of or outside of avehicle). Referring to FIG. 42, the unmanned aircraft 3410 can also flyutilizing a guidance assist systems. For example, the unmanned aircraft3410 can follow a line “sag” by a set amount (e.g., 6 feet), such asusing radar (e.g., a 60 GHz RF “Proximity Radar”). Using image patternrecognition via an optical camera, utilizing real-time video with visualinspection, and so forth. In one embodiment, the unmanned aircraft 3410can utilize this technique to locate a mid-span or other pre-determinedspan for placement of a communication device (e.g., a waveguide) that isto be physically connected with a transmission medium 1930. Datacollection can be performed at this pre-determined position along thetransmission medium 1930. In one embodiment, an operator can maintainline-of-sight operation of the unmanned aircraft 3410 while notrequiring close coordination from the operator since the guidance systemis being utilized (e.g., the operator in a vehicle does not need tofollow the unmanned aircraft down a street that is still withinline-of-sight). This example can be utilized to comply with particularUAS rules or regulations. In one or more embodiments, the unmannedaircraft can be flown under non-line-of-sight conditions, such as wherecurrent or future UAS rules or regulations permit such operations.

Turning now to FIG. 43, a flow diagram of an example, non-limitingembodiment of a method 4300, is shown. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features presented inconjunction with FIGS. 1-42 and is described with respect to collectingdata to facilitate deployment or positioning of a communication devicethat can be a network device or a customer premises equipment.

At 4302, a first group of test signals can be received when an unmannedaircraft is at a first position (e.g., in proximity to a transmissionmedium). The first group of test signals can be transmitted fromdifferent locations. At 4304, a second group of test signals can bereceived when the unmanned aircraft is at a second position (e.g., inproximity to the transmission medium). The second group of test signalscan be transmitted from the different locations. At 4306, a first RFparameter associated with each of the first group of test signals and asecond RF parameter associated with each of the second group of testsignals can be determined. In one or more embodiments, an optimizationalgorithm can be applied to the placement information data. At 4308,placement information indicative of a target location for acommunication device to be connected along the transmission medium canbe generated. The placement information can be generated based on thefirst and second RF parameters. Any number of groups of test signals canbe collected for any number of different locations when the unmannedaircraft is at any number of target locations. The RF parameters canvary including RSSI measurements. In one or more embodiments, method4300 can be a continuous process, such as collecting data along a flightpath that runs parallel or in proximity to the power line.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 43, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring to FIG. 44, a system 4400 is illustrated to facilitate controlof an unmanned aircraft 4410 which may be flown to a target area ordestination for various reasons, such as described with respect tosystems 1900, 2100, 3400, 3900, 4100 including for deployment ofequipment, collecting data, detecting undesired conditions in thenetwork, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, a remote control device 4420 can communicatedirectly (e.g., via peer-to-peer communications utilizing variouswireless protocols) with the unmanned aircraft 4410, such as foroperational control (e.g., flight, capturing images, navigational data,and so forth) as depicted by arrow 4480. The communication between theremote control device 4420 and the unmanned aircraft 4410 can beuni-directional or can be bi-directional. As an example, the remotecontrol device 4420 can transmit control signals to the unmannedaircraft 4410 for flight control and/or actuating functions of theunmanned aircraft (e.g., capturing images, capturing RF parameters,releasing a connection with a payload, activating a latching mechanismof a payload, and so forth). The unmanned aircraft 4410 can transmitvarious information back to the remote control device 4420, such asnavigational data, images, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, the remote control device 4420 cancommunicate indirectly with the unmanned aircraft 4410 utilizingintermediary network elements, such as for operational control (e.g.,flight, capturing images, navigational data, and so forth) as depictedby arrows 4482 and 4484. The communication between the remote controldevice 4420, the intermediary network elements, and the unmannedaircraft 4410 can be uni-directional or can be bi-directional. As anexample, the remote control device 4420 can transmit control signals toa network communication device 4450 (arrow 4482) and/or can transmit thecontrol signals to a base station 4475 (arrow 4484), such as for flightcontrol and/or actuating functions of the unmanned aircraft. The networkcommunication device 4450 and/or the base station 4475 can wirelesslytransmit the control signals to the unmanned aircraft 4410 as depictedby arrows 4486 and 4488, which can provide for a longer range ofcommunication between the remote control device 4420 and the unmannedaircraft 4410. Similarly, the unmanned aircraft 4410 can transmitvarious information back to the remote control device 4420 via theintermediary network element (e.g., network communication device 4450and/or base station 4475), such as navigational data, images, and soforth.

In one or more embodiments, the network communication device 4450 caninclude a dielectric antenna (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 29A) tofacilitate communications. In another embodiment, the networkcommunication device 4450 can communicate by electromagnetic waves at aphysical interface of a transmission medium, where the electromagneticwaves propagate without utilizing an electrical return path, and wherethe electromagnetic waves are guided by the transmission medium. Forexample, the transmission medium can be a power line 1930 that guidesthe electromagnetic waves towards the base station 4475. In oneembodiment, the power line 1930 can be connected between utility poles.In another embodiment, the power line 1930 can be connected to the basestation 4475. In another embodiment, the transmission medium can be awire coupling a transmitter of the network communication device 4450 toa dielectric antenna, such as described in FIGS. 28 and 29A.

In one or more embodiments, data downloads can utilize differentchannels, different wireless protocols and/or different network devicesthan control signals. As an example, collected data (e.g., RF parametersfor test signals transmitted from different locations that are collectedby the unmanned aircraft 4410 when it is in proximity to a target area)can be transmitted from the unmanned aircraft 4410 to a server (notshown) or to another recipient device including the remote controldevice 4420 via the network communication device 4450 and/or via thebase station 4475 as depicted by arrows 4490 and 4492. Thesecommunication paths 4490 and 4492 can be uni-directional, such as fordownloading data from the unmanned aircraft 4410, or can bebi-directional, such as for uploading instructions for collecting data,and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, controllers can be utilized that are nothuman-based. For example, micro-robots can be utilized including a fullyautomated control of the unmanned aircraft. For instance, micro-robotscan crawl the utility poles and/or power lines in order to guide andcontrol the unmanned aircraft into position. They may also providephysical adjustments and/or capture video. In one or more embodiments,materials can be selected to enhance safety, such as a tether or cablewhich is non-conductive. In one or more embodiments, the unmannedaircraft can be provided with stabilization and may be prevented fromflying across power lines and/or prevented from touching multiple placesin the power line or be within arcing distances of the power lines. Forexample, automatic controls or software can be utilized to implementthese safety measures when flying the unmanned aircraft, including theunmanned aircraft automatically detecting proximity to the power lineand avoiding contact. In one or more embodiments, connectors can beutilized that operate based on a drop and connect procedure. The dropand connect procedure can be utilized by the unmanned aircraft forinstalling various equipment.

Turning now to FIG. 45, a flow diagram of an example, non-limitingembodiment of a method 4500, is shown. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features presented inconjunction with FIGS. 1-44 and is described with respect to switchingbetween different communication paths to facilitate controlling anunmanned aircraft.

At 4502, a processing system of an unmanned aircraft can wirelesslyreceive first control signals directly from a remote control device,such as according to user input at the remote control device. At 4504,the processing system can adjust a flight of the unmanned aircraftaccording to the first control signals. At 4506, the processing systemcan wirelessly receive second control signals that are received from anetwork device (e.g., of a cellular network). The second control signalsare not received by the processing system directly from the remotecontrol device. The network device can be various network devicesdescribed herein, including a base station, a communication device witha dielectric antenna, a waveguide, and so forth.

At 4508, the processing system can adjust the flight of the unmannedaircraft according to the second control signals. The second controlsignals can be implemented at the unmanned aircraft and/or transmittedfrom the network device responsive to a determination that the firstcontrol signals are no longer being received by the processing system.In this example, the first control signals being no longer received bythe processing system can include receiving none of the first controlsignals, or receiving communications representative of the first controlsignals that do not satisfy a quality threshold or are otherwise deemedunreliable. In one or more embodiments, various authentication or othersecurity procedures can be implemented to ensure that any handover ofcontrol is associated with an authorized entity, such as an authorizeduser, an authorized user device, and so forth. These security procedurescan include passwords, encryption, pre-registration, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, the processing system can wirelessly receivethird control signals that are subsequently received directly from theremote control device, such as according to other user input at theremote control device. In one or more embodiments, the processing systemcan adjust the flight of the unmanned aircraft according to the thirdcontrol signals to position the unmanned aircraft in proximity to atransmission medium. In one or more embodiments, the unmanned aircraftcan include a carrying system that releasably carries a communicationdevice, where a positioning of the communication device in the proximityof the transmission medium enables the communication device to bephysically connected on the transmission medium to receive power via aninductive coupling. In one or more embodiments, the flight of theunmanned aircraft can be adjusted according to the third control signalscausing the unmanned aircraft to be positioned in proximity to a targetarea. For instance, a group of test signals can be received by theprocessing system when the unmanned aircraft is in proximity to thetarget area, where the group of test signals is transmitted fromdifferent locations. An RF parameter associated with each of the groupof test signals can be determined by the processing system resulting inRF parameters. Continuing with this example, the RF parameters can beprovided to a server that enables the server to generate placementinformation indicative of a particular position for a communicationdevice to be positioned with respect to the target area, where theplacement information is generated based on the RF parameters.

In one or more embodiments, the providing of the RF parameters to aserver can include transmitting information representative of the RFparameters to the server via the cellular network from the unmannedaircraft. In one or more embodiments, the RF parameters can be stored ina storage device of the unmanned aircraft, where the providing the RFparameters to the server occurs when the unmanned aircraft returns fromthe flight and when the unmanned aircraft is positioned within a Faradaycage. In one or more embodiments, the second control signals can bereceived by the network device from the remote control device, where thenetwork device comprises a transmitter of a base station. In one or moreembodiments, a dielectric antenna of a communication device can receivethe second control signals directly from the remote control device,where the network device receives the second control signals from thecommunication device, and where the communication device is physicallyconnected with a transmission medium. In one or more embodiments, thecommunication device can transmit the second control signals towards thenetwork device by electromagnetic waves at a physical interface of thetransmission medium, where the electromagnetic waves propagate withoututilizing an electrical return path, and where the electromagnetic wavesare guided by the transmission medium. In one or more embodiments, theadjusting of the flight of the unmanned aircraft according to the secondcontrol signals can include flying the unmanned aircraft within atransmitting range of the remote control device, where the secondcontrol signals are not sourced by the remote control device, such asgenerating the second control signals automatically to return theunmanned aircraft to a position that enables the unmanned aircraft to beback under the control of the remote control device.

In one or more embodiments, a processing system can determine whether anunmanned aircraft is registered with a network that includes theprocessing system, such as a registration and authentication processwith a radio access network. The processing system can determine whetherthe unmanned aircraft is receiving first control signals being sourcedby a remote control device. In one or more embodiments, responsive to aregistration of the unmanned aircraft with the network and/or responsiveto a determination that the unmanned aircraft is not receiving the firstcontrol signals, the processing system can wirelessly transmit secondcontrol signals to the unmanned aircraft via a transmitter of thenetwork. These second control signals can cause a flight of the unmannedaircraft to be adjusted.

In one or more embodiments, a registration of the unmanned aircraft anda registration of an operator (or user) of the unmanned aircraft can berequired before enabling the network to provide control signals or othercommunications to the unmanned aircraft. In one or more embodiments, aserver of the network can monitor the flight of the unmanned aircraftand log appropriate information, such as position, altitude, speed,flight time, and so forth. In one or more embodiments, the server canprovide reports to various entities, such as an administrator of thenetwork, an appropriate governmental agency (e.g., the Federal AviationAdministration), the operator of the remote control device, and so forthregarding the logged information, including violations of any rules orregulations.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 45, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

As illustrated in system 4600 of FIG. 46, use of the unmanned aircraft4410 is not limited to flights along transmission medium 1930 or powerlines, but rather can be used for any types of locations. In one or moreembodiments, the unmanned aircraft 4410 can be flown via control signals4680 from the remote control device 4420 through protected or restrictedspace 4650 (where unmanned aircraft flight is permitted but othervehicles and/or personnel are not permitted). Data can be collected bythe unmanned aircraft 4410 and transmitted via the network communicationdevice 4450 and/or the base station 4475 as depicted by arrows 4682,4684, such as to a server for processing and analysis. In one or moreembodiments, the data can include Geographic Information System (GIS)information, such as 3D GIS data. In one or more embodiments, aregistration of the unmanned aircraft 4410 and/or of an operator (oruser) of the unmanned aircraft can be required before authorizing thisflight and/or utilizing the network to provide communications.

Referring to FIG. 47, a system 4700 is illustrated to facilitate controlof an unmanned aircraft which may be flown to a target area ordestination for various reasons, such as described with respect tosystems 1900, 2100, 3400, 3900, 4100, 4400, 4600 including fordeployment of equipment, collecting data, detecting undesired conditionsin the network, and so forth. System 4700 can utilize a cloud-basedflight/mission management compliance system. As an example, system 4700can provide for managing in-flight compliance of unmanned aircraft. Forinstance, flight data for unmanned aircraft can be collected and storedin one or more databases 4710 for real-time and/or post-flight analysis.The collected data can be analyzed by a server 4725, such as by beingcompared to the original flight plan, airspace access limits, time ofday, day of week and/or other criteria for variance from an ideal ortarget profile. This comparison can be used to determine if anindividual flight or mission was conducted appropriately and whether itwas conducted by qualified personnel for the flight/mission type andprofile. In one or more embodiments, software keys or interlocks can beprovided to require a match of selected parameters before allowing aflight/mission, or for when a variance needs to be requested andgranted. In one or more embodiments, system 4700 can provide forcrowd-sourced data that might indicate a tightening, loosening or otherchange to the flight/mission rules by those who regulate the use ofunmanned aircraft.

Referring to FIG. 48, a system 4800 is illustrated to facilitate controlof an unmanned aircraft 4810 which may be flown to a target area ordestination for various reasons, such as described with respect tosystems 1900, 2100, 3400, 3900, 4100, 4400, 4600, 4700 including fordeployment of equipment, collecting data, detecting undesired conditionsin the network, and so forth. System 4800 can provide for the securetransfer of measurement and mission data, software updates, and missionloading through use of a structure that comprises a faraday cage 4825which blocks electrical fields and provides a secure location for theunmanned aircraft 4810 to exchange information such as downloading datacollected from a flight (e.g., RF parameters described in system 3500),uploading software, uploading flight instructions, and so forth. Thefaraday cage 4825 can also be constructed to contain any contaminantsthat the unmanned aircraft 4810 may have been exposed to such aschemical, biological, radiological, and/or explosive. A cleansingprocess 4850 can be undertaken and any of the contaminants can be movedto a contaminant storage for disposal. A data and power transfer 4875can then be undertaken such as through use of a data and power interface4830.

System 4800 enables the provisioning of electrical power or fuel, theremoval of environmental hazards and access for physical maintenance ofthe unmanned aircraft 4810. In one or more embodiments, the faraday cage4825 provides for a garage or hanger-like structure and environmentalcontrol chamber into which the unmanned aircraft 4810 can be secured forsecure wireless uploading and downloading of information and where itcan be cleared of environmental contaminants to which the unmannedaircraft might be exposed, such as while taking measurements inhazardous environments. The faraday cage 4825 can include a safemonitoring platform, as well as devices to clean the unmanned aircraft4810 and to store any collected waste in a safe manner until it can beeither rendered safe or removed to off-site, long-term storage. In theevent the unmanned aircraft 4810 cannot be decontaminated, the faradaycage 4825 can secure the unmanned aircraft in a partitioned containmentarea until it can be safely removed off site and destroyed.

Referring now to FIG. 49, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 49 and the followingdiscussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of asuitable computing environment 4900 in which the various embodiments ofthe subject disclosure can be implemented. While the embodiments havebeen described above in the general context of computer-executableinstructions that can run on one or more computers, those skilled in theart will recognize that the embodiments can be also implemented incombination with other program modules and/or as a combination ofhardware and software.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes processor as well as otherapplication specific circuits such as an application specific integratedcircuit, digital logic circuit, state machine, programmable gate arrayor other circuit that processes input signals or data and that producesoutput signals or data in response thereto. It should be noted thatwhile any functions and features described herein in association withthe operation of a processor could likewise be performed by a processingcircuit.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM),flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 49, the example environment 4900 fortransmitting and receiving signals via or forming at least part of abase station (e.g., base station devices 1504, macrocell site 1502, orbase stations 1614) or central office (e.g., central office 1501 or1611). At least a portion of the example environment 4900 can also beused for transmission devices 101 or 102. The example environment cancomprise a computer 4902, the computer 4902 comprising a processing unit4904, a system memory 4906 and a system bus 4908. The system bus 4908couples system components including, but not limited to, the systemmemory 4906 to the processing unit 4904. The processing unit 4904 can beany of various commercially available processors. Dual microprocessorsand other multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 4904.

The system bus 4908 can be any of several types of bus structure thatcan further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 4906comprises ROM 4910 and RAM 4912. A basic input/output system (BIOS) canbe stored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmableread only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routinesthat help to transfer information between elements within the computer4902, such as during startup. The RAM 4912 can also comprise ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 4902 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD)4914 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 4914 can also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 4916, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 4918) and an optical disk drive 4920, (e.g., readinga CD-ROM disk 4922 or, to read from or write to other high capacityoptical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 4914, magnetic diskdrive 4916 and optical disk drive 4920 can be connected to the systembus 4908 by a hard disk drive interface 4924, a magnetic disk driveinterface 4926 and an optical drive interface 4928, respectively. Theinterface 4924 for external drive implementations comprises at least oneor both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 interface technologies. Other externaldrive connection technologies are within contemplation of theembodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 4902, the drives andstorage media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digitalformat. Although the description of computer-readable storage mediaabove refers to a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette,and a removable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should beappreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of storagemedia which are readable by a computer, such as zip drives, magneticcassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also beused in the example operating environment, and further, that any suchstorage media can contain computer-executable instructions forperforming the methods described herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 4912,comprising an operating system 4930, one or more application programs4932, other program modules 4934 and program data 4936. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 4912. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems. Examples of application programs4932 that can be implemented and otherwise executed by processing unit4904 include the diversity selection determining performed bytransmission device 101 or 102.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 4902 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 4938 and apointing device, such as a mouse 4940. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 4904 through aninput device interface 4942 that can be coupled to the system bus 4908,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 4944 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 4908 via an interface, such as a video adapter 4946. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 4944can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 4902 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 4944, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 4902 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 4948. The remotecomputer(s) 4948 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer4902, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device4950 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 4952 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 4954. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 4902 can beconnected to the local network 4952 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 4956. The adapter 4956 canfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 4952, which canalso comprise a wireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with thewireless adapter 4956.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 4902 cancomprise a modem 4958 or can be connected to a communications server onthe WAN 4954 or has other means for establishing communications over theWAN 4954, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 4958, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, can be connected tothe system bus 4908 via the input device interface 4942. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 4902 orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device4950. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexample and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer 4902 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10 BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

FIG. 50 presents an example embodiment 5000 of a mobile network platform5010 that can implement and exploit one or more aspects of the disclosedsubject matter described herein. In one or more embodiments, the mobilenetwork platform 5010 can generate and receive signals transmitted andreceived by base stations (e.g., base station devices 1504, macrocellsite 1502, or base stations 1614), central office (e.g., central office1501 or 1611),or transmission device 101 or 102 associated with thedisclosed subject matter. Generally, wireless network platform 5010 cancomprise components, e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, ordisparate platforms, that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g.,internet protocol (IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM))and circuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well ascontrol generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As anon-limiting example, wireless network platform 5010 can be included intelecommunications carrier networks, and can be considered carrier-sidecomponents as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile network platform 5010comprises CS gateway node(s) 5012 which can interface CS trafficreceived from legacy networks like telephony network(s) 5040 (e.g.,public switched telephone network (PSTN), or public land mobile network(PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7) network 5070. Circuit switchedgateway node(s) 5012 can authorize and authenticate traffic (e.g.,voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CS gateway node(s) 5012can access mobility, or roaming, data generated through SS7 network5070; for instance, mobility data stored in a visited location register(VLR), which can reside in memory 5030. Moreover, CS gateway node(s)5012 interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PS gateway node(s)5018. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gateway node(s) 5012 canbe realized at least in part in gateway GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). Itshould be appreciated that functionality and specific operation of CSgateway node(s) 5012, PS gateway node(s) 5018, and serving node(s) 5016,is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilized by mobilenetwork platform 5010 for telecommunication.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 5018 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to thewireless network platform 5010, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 5050,enterprise network(s) 5070, and service network(s) 5080, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 5010 through PS gateway node(s) 5018. It is tobe noted that WANs 5050 and enterprise network(s) 5060 can embody, atleast in part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS).Based on radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s)5017, packet-switched gateway node(s) 5018 can generate packet dataprotocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 5018 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 5000, wireless network platform 5010 also comprisesserving node(s) 5016 that, based upon available radio technologylayer(s) within technology resource(s) 5017, convey the variouspacketized flows of data streams received through PS gateway node(s)5018. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) 5017 that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 5018; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 5016 can be embodied in servingGPRS support node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)5014 in wireless network platform 5010 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bywireless network platform 5010. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 5018 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 5016 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 5014 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through wireless network platform 5010 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 5012and PS gateway node(s) 5018 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 5050 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to wirelessnetwork platform 5010 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1(s)that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage. Repeater devices such as those shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 alsoimprove network coverage in order to enhance subscriber serviceexperience by way of UE 5075.

It is to be noted that server(s) 5014 can comprise one or moreprocessors configured to confer at least in part the functionality ofmacro network platform 5010. To that end, the one or more processor canexecute code instructions stored in memory 5030, for example. It isshould be appreciated that server(s) 5014 can comprise a content manager5015, which operates in substantially the same manner as describedhereinbefore.

In example embodiment 5000, memory 5030 can store information related tooperation of wireless network platform 5010. Other operationalinformation can comprise provisioning information of mobile devicesserved through wireless platform network 5010, subscriber databases;application intelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates,flat-rate programs, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s)consistent with telecommunication protocols for operation of disparateradio, or wireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 5030 canalso store information from at least one of telephony network(s) 5040,WAN 5050, enterprise network(s) 5070, or SS7 network 5060. In an aspect,memory 5030 can be, for example, accessed as part of a data storecomponent or as a remotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 50, and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

FIG. 51 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device5100. The communication device 5100 can serve as an illustrativeembodiment of devices such as mobile devices and in-building devicesreferred to by the subject disclosure (e.g., in FIGS. 15, 16A and 16B).

The communication device 5100 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 5102 (herein transceiver 5102), a user interface (UI) 5104,a power supply 5114, a location receiver 5116, a motion sensor 5118, anorientation sensor 5120, and a controller 5106 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 5102 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 5102 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 5104 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 5108with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse,or a navigation disk for manipulating operations of the communicationdevice 5100. The keypad 5108 can be an integral part of a housingassembly of the communication device 5100 or an independent deviceoperably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USBcable) or a wireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. Thekeypad 5108 can represent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones,and/or a QWERTY keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 5104 can furtherinclude a display 5110 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid CrystalDisplay), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable displaytechnology for conveying images to an end user of the communicationdevice 5100. In an embodiment where the display 5110 is touch-sensitive,a portion or all of the keypad 5108 can be presented by way of thedisplay 5110 with navigation features.

The display 5110 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 5100 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 5110 can beequipped with capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technologyto detect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on aportion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can beused to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functionsof the user interface. The display 5110 can be an integral part of thehousing assembly of the communication device 5100 or an independentdevice communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 5104 can also include an audio system 5112 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 5112 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 5112 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI5104 can further include an image sensor 5113 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 5114 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 5100 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 5116 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 5100 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor5118 can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 5100 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 5120 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device5100 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 5100 can use the transceiver 5102 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 5106 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 5100.

Other components not shown in FIG. 51 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 5100 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. For example, artificial intelligence can be used inoptional training controller 230 evaluate and select candidatefrequencies, modulation schemes, MIMO modes, and/or guided wave modes inorder to maximize transfer efficiency. The embodiments (e.g., inconnection with automatically identifying acquired cell sites thatprovide a maximum value/benefit after addition to an existingcommunication network) can employ various AI-based schemes for carryingout various embodiments thereof. Moreover, the classifier can beemployed to determine a ranking or priority of the each cell site of theacquired network. A classifier is a function that maps an inputattribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . , xn), to a confidence thatthe input belongs to a class, that is, f(x)=confidence (class). Suchclassification can employ a probabilistic and/or statistical-basedanalysis (e.g., factoring into the analysis utilities and costs) toprognose or infer an action that a user desires to be automaticallyperformed. A support vector machine (SVM) is an example of a classifierthat can be employed. The SVM operates by finding a hypersurface in thespace of possible inputs, which the hypersurface attempts to split thetriggering criteria from the non-triggering events. Intuitively, thismakes the classification correct for testing data that is near, but notidentical to training data. Other directed and undirected modelclassification approaches comprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesiannetworks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, andprobabilistic classification models providing different patterns ofindependence can be employed. Classification as used herein also isinclusive of statistical regression that is utilized to develop modelsof priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to a predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station”“access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage, ” data storage, ”“database,” and substantially any other information storage componentrelevant to operation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents”, or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. An unmanned aircraft system, comprising: anunmanned aircraft including a carrying system configured to releasablycarry a waveguide system and further including a wireless receiver; aprocessing system including a processor, the processing system beingphysically connected with the unmanned aircraft; and a memory thatstores executable instructions that, when executed by the processingsystem, facilitate performance of operations, the operations comprising:receiving, from a remote control device, a control signal via thewireless receiver; causing, in response to the control signal, theunmanned aircraft to fly in proximity to a physical transmission mediumexternal to the unmanned aircraft, thereby causing positioning of thewaveguide system in proximity to the physical transmission medium,wherein the positioning of the waveguide system in proximity to thephysical transmission medium enables the waveguide system to bephysically connected on the physical transmission medium; and actuatingthe carrying system to cause the carrying system to release thewaveguide system, wherein the waveguide system, when physicallyconnected on the physical transmission medium and external to theunmanned aircraft subsequent to release by the carrying system, providescommunication by electromagnetic waves at a physical interface of thephysical transmission medium that propagate without requiring anelectrical return path, and wherein the electromagnetic waves are guidedby the physical transmission medium.
 2. The unmanned aircraft system ofclaim 1, further comprising: a video camera physically connected withthe unmanned aircraft, wherein the operations further comprisewirelessly transmitting, to a display device and via a wirelesstransmitter of the unmanned aircraft, video images captured by the videocamera to be presented at the display device.
 3. The unmanned aircraftsystem of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise: generating alatching signal that causes a latching mechanism of the waveguide systemto close, resulting in the waveguide system being physically connectedon the physical transmission medium.
 4. The unmanned aircraft system ofclaim 3, wherein the latching signal causes a magnetic field to begenerated, and wherein the magnetic field causes the latching mechanismto close.
 5. The unmanned aircraft system of claim 3, further comprisingan engagement member physically connected with the unmanned aircraft,wherein the latching signal causes the engagement member to engage withthe latching mechanism resulting in the latching mechanism closing. 6.The unmanned aircraft system of claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise: generating an unlatching signal that causes a latchingmechanism of the waveguide system to open resulting in the waveguidesystem being physically disconnected from the physical transmissionmedium.
 7. The unmanned aircraft system of claim 6, wherein theunlatching signal causes a magnetic field to be generated, and whereinthe magnetic field causes the latching mechanism to open.
 8. Theunmanned aircraft system of claim 6, further comprising an engagementmember physically connected with the unmanned aircraft, wherein theunlatching signal causes the engagement member to engage with thelatching mechanism resulting in the latching mechanism opening.
 9. Theunmanned aircraft system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic waveshave a non-optical frequency range.
 10. The unmanned aircraft system ofclaim 1, wherein the waveguide system is physically connected on thephysical transmission medium responsive to a latching mechanism of thewaveguide system closing when the latching mechanism contacts thephysical transmission medium.
 11. The unmanned aircraft system of claim1, wherein the physical transmission medium is a power line, and whereinthe waveguide system, when physically connected on the power line,receives power from the power line via an inductive coupling with thepower line.
 12. A method comprising: obtaining, by a processing systemof an unmanned aircraft, a control signal that causes the unmannedaircraft to fly in proximity to a physical transmission medium externalto the unmanned aircraft, wherein the unmanned aircraft includes acarrying system configured to releasably carry a communication device,and wherein a positioning of the communication device in proximity tothe physical transmission medium enables the communication device to bephysically connected on the physical transmission medium and external tothe unmanned aircraft subsequent to release by the carrying system andenables the communication device to provide communications; andactuating, by the processing system, the carrying system to cause thecarrying system to release the communication device.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the control signal is received from a remote controldevice, wherein the communication device comprises a waveguide system,wherein the waveguide system, when physically connected on the physicaltransmission medium, provides the communications by electromagneticwaves at a physical interface of the physical transmission medium thatpropagate without requiring an electrical return path, and wherein theelectromagnetic waves are guided by the physical transmission medium.14. The method of claim 12, wherein the control signal is a group ofcontrol signals, wherein a first subset of the group of control signalsis received by a processing system of the unmanned aircraft from aremote control device, wherein a second subset of the group of controlsignals is received by the processing system via a cellular network, andwherein the positioning of the communication device in proximity to thephysical transmission medium is determined from a map of receive signalstrength for a group of positions along the physical transmissionmedium.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: capturing videoimages utilizing a video camera physically connected with the unmannedaircraft; wirelessly transmitting, to a display device, the video imagesto be presented at the display device; and generating a latching signalthat causes a latching mechanism of the communication device to closeresulting in the communication device being physically connected on thephysical transmission medium, wherein the latching signal causes one of:a generation of a magnetic field that causes the latching mechanism toclose, or an engagement of an engagement member, physically connectedwith the unmanned aircraft, with the latching mechanism resulting in thelatching mechanism closing.
 16. A waveguide system, comprising: aradiating element; and a latching mechanism, wherein a positioning ofthe waveguide system in proximity to a physical transmission mediumenables the latching mechanism to be actuated resulting in the waveguidesystem being physically connected on the physical transmission medium,wherein the waveguide system has a size and a shape that enable anunmanned aircraft to carry the waveguide system in proximity to thephysical transmission medium, the physical transmission medium beingexternal to the unmanned aircraft, wherein the waveguide system, whenphysically connected on the physical transmission medium and external tothe unmanned aircraft subsequent to release by the unmanned aircraft,provides communication via the radiating element by electromagneticwaves at a physical interface of the physical transmission medium thatpropagate without requiring an electrical return path, and wherein theelectromagnetic waves are guided by the physical transmission medium.17. The waveguide system of claim 16, further comprising a processingsystem including a processor, wherein the processing system provides arelease signal to the unmanned aircraft to cause a carrying system ofthe unmanned aircraft to release the waveguide system.
 18. The waveguidesystem of claim 16, wherein the latching mechanism is actuated to openor close by one of: a magnetic field generated by the unmanned aircraft,an engagement with an engagement member physically connected with theunmanned aircraft, a hydraulic actuator, or a biasing mechanism that isbiased towards a closed position to close the latching mechanism. 19.The waveguide system of claim 16, further comprising a sensor, whereinthe latching mechanism is actuated to close responsive to a detection bythe sensor of physical contact with the physical transmission medium.20. The waveguide system of claim 16, further comprising an inductivecoupler, wherein the waveguide system, when physically connected on thephysical transmission medium, receives power from the physicaltransmission medium via the inductive coupler.